The definitions in this section apply throughout WAC 246-817-701 through 246-817-790 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Advanced cardiac life support" or "ACLS" means a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies, as well as the knowledge and skills to deploy those interventions.

(2) "American Society of Anesthesiologists patient classification I" means a normal healthy patient.

(3) "American Society of Anesthesiologists patient classification II" means a patient with mild systemic disease.

(4) "American Society of Anesthesiologists patient classification III" means a patient with severe systemic disease.

(5) "American Society of Anesthesiologists patient classification IV" means a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life.

(6) "Analgesia" means the diminution of pain in the conscious patient.

(7) "Anesthesia" means the loss of feeling or sensation, especially loss of sensation of pain.

(8) "Anesthesia monitor" means a credentialed health care provider specifically trained in monitoring patients under sedation and capable of assisting with procedures, problems and emergency incidents that may occur as a result of the sedation or secondary to an unexpected medical complication.

(9) "Anesthesia provider" means a dentist, physician anesthesiologist, dental hygienist, or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) licensed, authorized, competent, and qualified to perform anesthesia within the state of Washington.

(10) "Automated external defibrillator" or "AED" means a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, and is able to treat through defibrillation.

(11) "Basic life support" or "BLS" means a type of care health care providers and public safety professionals provide to anyone who is experiencing cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or an obstructed airway.

(12) "Carbon dioxide" or "CO2" means a gas consisting of one part carbon and two parts oxygen.

(13) "Close supervision" means that a supervising dentist whose patient is being treated has personally diagnosed the condition to be treated and has personally authorized the procedures to be performed. The supervising dentist is continuously on-site and physically present in the treatment facility while the procedures are performed by the assistive personnel and capable of responding immediately in the event of an emergency. Close supervision does not require a supervising dentist to be physically present in the operatory.

(14) "Commission on Dental Accreditation" or "CODA" means a national organization that develops and implements accreditation standards that promote and monitor the continuous quality and improvement of dental education programs.

(15) "Deep sedation" means a drug induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.

(16) "Dental anesthesia assistant" means a health care provider certified under chapter 18.350 RCW and specifically trained to perform the functions authorized in RCW 18.350.040 under supervision of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dental anesthesiologist.

(17) "Enteral" means any technique of administration in which an agent is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.

(18) "General anesthesia" means a drug induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain an airway and respond purposefully to physical stimulation or verbal command, produced by a pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic method, or combination thereof may be impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.

(19) "Minimal sedation" means a minimally depressed level of consciousness, produced by a pharmacological method, that retains the patient's ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond normally to tactile stimulation and verbal commands. Although cognitive function and coordination may be modestly impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected.

(20) "Moderate sedation" means a drug induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained. Moderate sedation can include both enteral and parenteral routes of administration.

(21) "Nothing by mouth" or "NPO" means the time before an examination or procedure during which a patient cannot eat or drink.

(22) "Parenteral" means a technique of administration in which the drug bypasses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract including, but not limited to, intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal, submuscosal, subcutaneous, and intraosseous.

(23) "Pediatric" means a child 12 years of age or younger.

(24) "Pediatric advanced life support" or "PALS" means a type of care that focuses on providing advanced airway and life support skills in immediate emergency care to children.