Position Statement for Anesthesia Technical Coverage

The mission of the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) is to establish a professional entity for the field of anesthesia technology that will positively affect healthcare and quality standards by raising the standards of patient care and by providing a safe and positive environment.  With the growing number of complex surgical cases, off site procedures requiring Deep Sedation & General Anesthesia and advanced technology, there is added pressure on the healthcare system to provide skilled technical staff with specialized knowledge in anesthesia technology.

Founded on ASATT’s Standards and Scope of Practice, to assist hospitals in determining a ratio for Certified Technologists/Technicians per room.  ASATT has recommended for Certified Technologists/Technicians per room coverage is as follows:

  • General Anesthesia: One (1) per three (3) rooms.
  • Teaching Facilities with Anesthesia Residents/CRNA students: One (1) per four (4) rooms.
  • Cardiovascular Anesthesia: One (1) per room.
  • Liver transplant: One (1) per room.
  • Offsite procedures – MRI, IMRI, GI Services, Radiology, Cardiac Catherization Lab: One (1) per one (1) area.
  • Outpatient/Ambulatory Services: One (1) per four (4) rooms during working hours.

Additionally, the Society recognizes staffing needs according to anesthesia acuity levels and patient needs.  Therefore, anesthesia providers should adjust their staffing needs accordingly.  Example: patient that requires advanced airway protection have priority over a MAC patient.

Level 1 Trauma centers provide in house technical coverage 24/7, 365 days a year.
Level 2 Centers provide in house technical coverage 16 hours/five days a week and on call coverage for off hours and weekends.
Level 3 Centers provide in house technical coverage 12 hours/5 days a week and on call coverage for off hours and weekends.

 

Who Is ASATT?

The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians is a professional entity with an overall focus on further establishing the health profession in anesthesia technology.

ASATT Conversations

Spring 2023 issue of the ASATT Sensor is available!

Featuring new staff updates, regional updates, Sensor Quizzes, and much more!

Hello Everyone!

Greetings, ASATT Members,

As we close out the year, there is much to look forward to in 2023 for ASATT and the profession. In my last address, I briefly described my vision for my presidential year and where I see the profession going n ...

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Regions

ASATT has seven regional territories throughout the country, each with a designated Director, that work to provide opportunities and education for those working in the field or for individuals who are interested in advancing their careers.

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ASATT membership is based on a calendar year membership term, which runs from August 1-July 31. Please note that ASATT does not accept renewals or joins during Recertification which takes place the months of November and December.