N.J. Admin. Code § 13:30-8.20

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 8, April 15, 2024

Section 13:30-8.20 - Nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia; duties of a licensed dentist, delegation to licensed dental hygienist and registered dental assistant

(a) The following words and terms, as used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Administration" means the determination and introduction of a therapeutic level of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia.

"Direct supervision" means acts performed in the office of a licensed dentist wherein the dentist is physically present on the premises at all times during the performance of such acts and such acts are performed pursuant to the dentist's order, control, and full professional responsibility.

"Monitoring" means observing or checking a patient's condition to assess the safety and comfort of the patient receiving nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia.

"Nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia" means the introduction by inhalation of a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen gases to a conscious patient.

"Supervising dentist" means the dentist who induces or administers the nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia to the patient.

(b) If a patient is to receive nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia, a supervising dentist shall induce or administer the nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia and shall exercise direct supervision and full responsibility for the patient.

(c) A supervising dentist may delegate the monitoring of the nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia to a licensed dental hygienist during the performance of dental hygiene procedures provided that the patient is stabilized and that the licensed dental hygienist satisfies the requirements set forth in 13:30-1A.3.

(d) A supervising dentist may delegate the monitoring of the nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia to a registered dental assistant who will perform no other function while monitoring the patient provided the patient is stabilized and the registered dental assistant satisfies the requirements set forth in 13:30-2.4.

(e) If a supervising dentist delegates the monitoring of the nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia to a licensed dental hygienist pursuant to 13:30-1A.3, or to a registered dental assistant pursuant to 13:30-2.4, the supervising dentist shall ensure that:

1. The nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation delivery system is a fail-safe unit which shall not deliver nitrous oxide unless oxygen is continuously flowing at a minimum of 30 percent and includes a scavenging system operating while the nitrous oxide is in use; and

2. The dental office is equipped, at a minimum, with the following:

i. A high speed vacuum source;

ii. Suction equipment;

iii. Equipment to deliver positive pressure oxygen; and

iv. Blood pressure monitoring equipment.

(f) A supervising dentist shall not delegate the monitoring of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia to a licensed dental hygienist or to a registered dental assistant if a patient is taking any medications, whether prescribed by the dentist or by another licensed practitioner, that in the professional judgment of the dentist may potentiate the effects of the nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia, or may change the level of consciousness of the patient.

(g) The supervising dentist shall be responsible for ensuring that the patient records are documented to reflect the nitrous oxide and oxygen flow rates and the analgesia duration and clearing times.

(h) The supervising dentist shall personally discharge the patient following the administration of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia.

(i) The delegation of the monitoring of nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation analgesia to a licensed dental hygienist pursuant to 13:30-1A.3 or registered dental assistant pursuant to 13:30-2.4 who has not yet met the minimum standards of training and procedures as stated therein shall constitute a deviation from normal standards of practice required of a licensee.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:30-8.20

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 1462(b), effective 7/18/2016