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A: Health care facilities with NORA locations are eligible to apply for ORAC-NORA. The ASA Statement on Nonoperating Room Anesthesia Services describes NORA services as "care provided by anesthesiology personnel for inpatients/outpatients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures performed at locations outside an operating room pavilion within the hospital".
The certificate may also apply to those nonoperating room anesthetizing locations that may be part of a larger hospital system and located near the central building. Facilities that have NORA locations within walking distance to the central hospital are expected to have direct and timely access to support services such as, but not limited to, operating room support, intensive care units, pharmacy, lab services, and a blood bank.
The certificate is not applicable to stand-alone ambulatory surgical centers, office-based locations, or locations where a distant outpatient or Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) building may be under the corporate structure of a central hospital location.
Facilities can apply to certify any number of select NORA locations onsite. Anesthesia group practices may also apply for NORA-ORAC on behalf of their facility.
The ORAC-NORA certificate will be awarded to facilities that have successfully demonstrated their high standard of excellence in NORA care.
A: ORAC-NORA provides attainable and meaningful criteria for protecting patient safety as well as improving quality of care, efficiency, patient safety, and healthcare worker safety in NORA locations. The certificate offers an opportunity for facilities to evaluate their NORA services against national best practices and receive feedback from ASA physician experts. Once awarded, certificate recipients will be able to more clearly demonstrate the value of investments to facility executives and clinical stakeholders in delivering safe and high-quality NORA care to patients.
A: "With Distinction" is an add-on award to recognize ORAC-NORA applicants that meet enhanced criteria for patient safety, quality, or efficiency. Facilities will elect whether to seek a “With Distinction” award for an additional fee in their application. This designation reflects a higher standard of quality and efficiency in NORA services than that of the base ORAC-NORA certificate and encourages greater investment in NORA while keeping the required program criteria broadly feasible.
A: ORAC-NORA is currently in the pilot phase. ASA anticipates a full program launch in summer 2026. Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when the ORAC-NORA program goes live.
A: The current criteria book and self-assessment guide are only available to pilot sites. ASA expects those materials will be updated and released to participants when the full certificate product launches in summer 2026.
A: ORAC-NORA costs are currently pending the completion of the pilot phase. Pricing will vary based on facility size and the number of NORA locations included in each application.
A: Certificates are awarded for a three-year period and eligible for renewal provided the location continues to meet or exceed established criteria.
A: ASA is not currently accepting additional pilot applicants and will release more information on ORAC-NORA participation in the coming months.
A: Please complete submit your contact information for product launch announcements.
Curated by: ASA Department of Quality and Regulatory Affairs
Date of last update: October 1, 2025
You do not have to make a payment at this time, but you can reach out to your practice/group leader to find out when they plan to pay your dues. Email or call the ASA Support team for assistance: (630) 912-2552 or [email protected].
