Out-Of-Operating Room Airway Management -

The Out-Of-Operating Room Airway Management Directive (VHA Directive 2005-031) requires the creation of a local policy that conforms to the Directive.  The Directive places responsibilities on the local Chief of Anesthesia or designee.

The local policy must be in place by December 1, 2005.  December 1, 2005 is also the outside date for ensuring the competency of staff performing out of operating room airway management.  December 1, 2005 is also the outside date for making use of the limited grandfather clause which can be applied to currently competent providers who meet the terms of the grandfather clause.

To help local facilities begin implementing the Directive, we have developed in conjunction with the National Center for Patient Safety (NCPS), various tools, including a possible local policy.  All of this information, including a copy of the Directive is available on the NCPS Intranet website at:

http://vaww.ncps.med.va.gov/Guidelines/airwaymgmt/index.html