Business and Professions Code section 1647.1

(a)

As used in this article, “moderate sedation” means a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which a patient responds purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation, no interventions are required to maintain a patient’s airway, spontaneous ventilation is adequate, and cardiovascular function is usually maintained.

(b)

The drugs and techniques used in moderate 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 moderate sedation.

Source: Section 1647.1, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=BPC§ionNum=1647.­1.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2019; accessed Nov. 10, 2025).

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Nov. 10, 2025

§ 1647.1's source at ca​.gov