(a) As used in this article, “conscious sedation” means a minimally depressed level of consciousness produced by a pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic method, or a combination thereof, that retains the patient’s ability to maintain independently and continuously an airway, and respond appropriately to physical stimulation or verbal command.
“Conscious sedation” does not include the administration of oral medications or the administration of a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, whether administered alone or in combination with each other.
(b) The drugs and techniques used in conscious sedation shall have a margin of safety wide enough to render unintended loss of consciousness unlikely. Further, patients whose only response is reflex withdrawal from painful stimuli shall not be considered to be in a state of conscious sedation.
(c) For the very young or handicapped individual, incapable of the usually expected verbal response, a minimally depressed level of consciousness for that individual should be maintained.