Change Labeling on Propofol

A t the February meeting, the ACG Board of Trustees approved a plan to move forward with the College’s filing a petition with the Food & Drug Administration seeking a change in the labeling of propofol, a drug used to induce anesthesia for surgery, as well as administer the medication, or allow for nurse administered propofol under the supervision of the gastroenterologist. Unfortunately, in some states, use of the drug is limited to administration by anesthesiologists and certified nurse anesthetists only. One of the factors believed to be relied upon by states that alternative to benzodiazepines, narcot-ics, midazolam, and meperidine for endoscopic procedures. While the agent induces deep sedation, it is preferred by many patients because there is a swift recovery time, and patients are said to be able to resume normal activities sooner. Some states currently permit gastroenterologists t