Sedation standards are principles or processes that, in the opinion of recognized experts, accrediting bodies, or specialty organizations, are essential components of patient care. The degree of care an ordinary, reasonable, and prudent person would exercise in given circumstances. In legal terms, it is how similarly qualified practitioners would manage the patient's care under the same or similar circumstances. In a practical sense for sedation, standard of care does not vary according to the type of practitioner, or the type of facility that provides the care.

What are the Joint Commission Standards applicable to the administration of conscious sedation?

The essence of the Joint Commission Standards is found in these five statements:

1) Appropriate number of qualified individuals
2) Appropriate equipment
3) Appropriate monitoring of the patient
4) Appropriate documentation
5) Appropriate monitoring of outcomes