59MDWI44-137 — Moderate Sedation

59MDWI44-137 governs policies, responsibilities, and administrative procedures for the elective use of moderate sedation for patients.

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  • Publication number: 59MDWI44-137
  • Title: MODERATE SEDATION
  • Date: 2020-12-21

View 59MDWI44-137 on armypubs.army.mil


It defines sedation terminology, registered nurse qualifications, life support certification requirements, and pre-sedation assessment procedures. It also requires quality assurance reporting and establishes exceptions to policy.

Applies to: This publication applies to all personnel providing moderate sedation at any location under the 59 Medical Wing privileging authority to include all dental and medical facilities at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.

Topics covered

  • Moderate sedation terminology
  • Registered nurse sedation qualifications
  • Life support certification
  • Pre-sedation assessment
  • Quality assurance reporting
  • Exceptions to sedation policy

Questions and answers

What age limits apply to moderate sedation?

Moderate sedation is acceptable for all ages for Dental only. All other clinical areas are limited to age 13 or over. (paragraph 7)

What life support certifications are required for personnel involved in moderate sedation?

All personnel (privileged medical staff, RN, and technicians) involved in the care of patients receiving moderate sedation must be certified and current in Basic Life Support (BLS). Privileged medical staff and RNs must have age appropriate advanced life support certification (Advanced Cardiac Life Support and/or Pediatric Advanced Life Support) or an approved waiver, exemption or extension. (paragraph 3)

Can oral moderate sedation be prescribed for outpatients to take before arriving?

Oral agents intended to induce moderate sedation (e.g., chloral hydrate) may not be prescribed or dispensed to outpatients for self-medication prior to arrival at the facility (including medication to be given by a parent or guardian to a child or other dependent patient). (paragraph 8)

When must the pre-sedation history and physical examination be performed?

The pre-sedation H&P examination/assessment shall be performed by a privileged medical staff within 30 days prior to the scheduled procedure date. (paragraph 8)

What moderate sedation quality assurance items must be reported?

Mandatory quality assurance items that need to be reported include: Return to presedation Modified Aldrete >1 hour, admission related to complications from sedation, assisted ventilation was required, use of reversal agents, Aldrete Score <8 during procedure. (paragraph 8)

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