Legal Aspects of Ambulatory Anesthesia

This article informs anesthesiologists of some of the legal issues they may encounter in connection with ambulatory surgical center–based or office-based practice. The primary legal issues that anesthesiologists face in connection with practice in such settings can be broken down into practice-related issues and ownership-related issues. Given the complexity of legal issues relating to ambulatory anesthesia, anesthesiologists are advised to consult counsel at an early stage so as to understand the issues that may apply to their practice. In the United States, medical practice is highly regulated and practice at ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and physicians’ offices is no exception. The primary legal issues that anesthesiologists face in connection with practice in such settings can be broken down into ۲ categories: (۱) practice-related issues, and (۲) ownershiprelated issues. This article provide an overview of these legal issues. Further resources are referenced in the endnotes.

Keywords:

Legal issues , Anesthesiology , Ambulatory surgical center , Office practice.