Safe anesthesia is a global concern. These standards provide guidance and recommendations for clinicians, administrators, and governments as they review, implement, and manage anesthesia services in a variety of care environments. The standards center on themes related to professional qualification; facilities and equipment; medications and intravenous fluids; monitoring; and anesthesia delivery.

Following health care reforms, hospitals may now receive lower Medicare reimbursements based on 30-day readmission rates. This commentary describes several successful programs aimed at reducing readmissions and reviews pharmacy engagement in these efforts, including tactics such as improved medication reconciliation and patient counseling.