What is the VA position on nurse administered Propofol for endoscopy?
Answer 5. It is not permitted, per the Directive. Propofol can be administered only by people trained to rescue the patient from general anesthesia. This could include an oral surgeon, for instance, since their training requires 3-6 months of anesthesia training. If your LIP practitioners can document training and competence in general anesthesia, then they can use it. This must be specifically stated in your hospital policy. The VA policy on this is based on FDA approval–Propofol is approved only for those trained in general anesthesia or for patients who are already intubated (ICU sedation). The links below will take you to additional discussion of this issue. http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/articles/20051103.asp http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?
