The anesthesiologist makes all the medical decisions about anesthetizing a patient for surgery and who is responsible for the safety and well-being of the patient before, during, and immediately following the surgical procedure. This includes maintaining the patient in a state of controlled unconsciousness (while under general anesthesia), providing pain relief and monitoring the patient's critical life functions (breathing, heart rate and heart rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, blood oxygen saturation) as they are affected throughout surgical, obstetrical or other medical procedures. At all times, the anesthesiologist will practice their profession in accordance with applicable professional and governmental law and regulations.