​Basic Standards for Preanesthesia Care

Developed By: Committee on Practice Parameters
Last Amended: October 15, 2025 (Original Approval: October 14, 1987)

These standards apply to all patients who receive anesthesia care. Under exceptional circumstances, these standards may be modified. When this is the case, the circumstances shall be documented in the medical record.

An anesthesiologist shall be responsible for determining the medical status of the patient, developing a plan of anesthesia care, and performing appropriate documentation.

The anesthesiologist, before the delivery of anesthesia care, is responsible for:

1. Reviewing the available medical record.
2. Interviewing and performing a focused examination of the patient to:
   2.1 Discuss the medical history, including previous anesthetic experiences and medical therapy.
   2.2 Assess those aspects of the patient’s physical condition that might affect decisions regarding perioperative risk and management.
3. Ordering and reviewing pertinent available tests and consultations as necessary for the delivery of anesthesia care.
4. Ordering appropriate preoperative medications.
5. Ensuring that consent has been obtained for the anesthesia care.