16Administration of anaesthetic and assistance at operation

#### 16 Administration of anaesthetic and assistance at operation (1) A medicare benefit is not, except with the approval of the Minister, payable in respect of the administration of an anaesthetic in connexion with a professional service unless the anaesthetic is administered by a practitioner other than the practitioner who renders the professional service in connexion with which the anaesthetic is administered. (2) A medicare benefit in respect of assistance at an operation is not payable if the assistance is rendered by the anaesthetist or a practitioner assisting the anaesthetist. (3) Where an item relates to a professional service constituted by: (a) assistance at an operation; (b) the administration of an anaesthetic; or (c) assistance in the administration of an anaesthetic; the amount of medicare benefit payable in respect of that professional service is the same whether the assistance is rendered, or the anaesthetic is administered, by one or more than one practitioner.