While the information below refers to ASC’s it also applies to office-based surgical suites subject to state guidelines. For roughly 15 states (2021) level 1 anesthesia level does not require accreditation or state regulation; regulations change often so always confirm with your state medical board.
AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) and anesthesia level.
Note: The operative word is “ASC” here. Most OBSS utilize Level 1 (local anesthesia) only.
AAAASF realizes that centers may provide different levels of services and therefore their requirements are targeted to three separate classes of service. The classes are based on the tiered classifications of anesthesia used and are defined as:
Level 1: All procedures performed in the facility are under local or topical anesthesia.
Level 2: Surgical procedures performed in the facility encompass Class A type and are performed under intravenous or parenteral sedation, regional anesthesia, analgesia or dissociative drugs without the use of endotracheal or laryngeal mask intubation or inhalation general anesthesia (including nitrous oxide).
Level 3: Surgical procedures performed in the facility include Class A and B types with the use of endotracheal or laryngeal mask intubation and/or inhalation anesthesia, which is administered by an anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
These are often listed with Roman Numerals: Level I, Level II, Level III.