Can the registered nurse perform a pre-anesthesia assessment?

The nursing laws and rules do not prohibit the competent and appropriately trained registered nurse from performing a pre-anesthesia assessment. It is expected that the registered nurse would complete an appropriate age-specific nursing assessment and nursing plan of care. Frequency of assessment may be determined by institutional policy, patient condition, CMS requirements, and accreditation standards. See the NCQAC's Administration of Sedating, Analgesic, and Anesthetic Agents Advisory Opinion for more information. The nurse should be aware that other laws and rules may apply such as facility laws and rules or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid regulations.