Bill > SB1637

This bill modifies Arizona law concerning dental anesthesia and sedation practices, introducing new definitions and reporting requirements. It defines an "adverse event" as any incident during general anesthesia, deep sedation, or moderate sedation in a dental setting that requires an emergency medical response, and mandates that dentists obtain a separate written informed consent form for anesthesia or sedation, distinct from the consent for dental treatment, which must detail the type of anesthesia, the responsible provider, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient instructions. The bill also requires dentists to report adverse events to the State Board of Dental Examiners within seven business days, with failure to do so resulting in mandatory practice restrictions, and requires qualified anesthesia providers to report such events to their respective licensing boards. Furthermore, it establishes the concept of a "dentist of record" who holds ultimate responsibility for a patient's care during dental procedures, including those involving anesthesia, without absolving the anesthesia provider of their own responsibilities. The bill also amends existing statutes to ensure that various healthcare professionals, including physicians and certified registered nurse anesthetists, report adverse events in dental settings to the appropriate boards, and clarifies that the definition of "adverse event" applies across these reporting requirements.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85274