This anesthesiology CME program is a tool for lifelong learning. The ACE Program is designed to prepare you for Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) and written recertification examinations.

MOCA is a 10-year process consisting of lifelong learning and self-assessment, ongoing assessment of professional standing, periodic assessments of practice performance and passing an examination of current knowledge. The ACE Program fulfills the requirements for lifelong learning and self-assessment as defined by the ABA.

There are currently no other CME programs available that allow participants to assess areas of strength and weakness in accepted anesthesiology knowledge or to target ongoing education in these areas. ASA’s Self-Education and Evaluation (SEE) Program is an excellent tool for keeping up with “emerging knowledge” on the latest research and technology, but ACE goes to the core knowledge of the specialty.

The ACE Program is available online, or as a booklet or CD-ROM. The format consists of two issues, one each in April and October. Each issue of ACE includes 100 questions in a format similar to that used on the recertification examination. In addition to the correct answers, each item includes an extensive discussion of the rationale for each answer and references for further study. Subscribers complete the program at their own pace and return the answer sheet for confidential scoring to receive CME credit.

ASA is approved by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. ASA designates this educational activity for a maximum of 60 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM per issue. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The OBA manual is intended to provide nuts and bolts advice and resources for anesthesiologists who plan to or currently practice in the office setting.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists has had a strong interest in monitoring and guiding the safety of office-based anesthesia since the early development of the specialty.  Office-based surgery accounted for approximately 10 million of all elective procedures performed in the United States in 2005, twice the number seen in 1995.

The 2nd edition has updated materials and provides new information to commonly asked questions.  Where appropriate, the authors have provided suggested practice methods or options based on their experiences, yet consistent with ASA guidelines.

This guide was developed by the ASA Committee on Ambulatory Surgical Care and the SAMBA Committee on Office-Based Anesthesia but has not been reviewed or approved as a practice parameter or policy statement by the ASA House of Delegates or SAMBA.