California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 1647.1

(a) As used in this article, “moderate sedation” means a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which a patient responds purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation, no interventions are required to maintain a patient's airway, spontaneous ventilation is adequate, and cardiovascular function is usually maintained.

(b) The drugs and techniques used in moderate sedation shall have a margin of safety wide enough to render unintended loss of consciousness unlikely.  Further, patients whose only response is reflex withdrawal from painful stimuli shall not be considered to be in a state of moderate sedation.