THE EXPANSION OFtechnologic advances in surgical procedures and the rapid improvements in anesthesia delivery have been critical to the evolution of the concept of fast-tracking and bypass of Phase I PACU. Fast-tracking is basically a function of anesthetic delivery that provides rapid onset of amnesia and analgesia and rapid recovery with minimal, if any, side effects. As a result, patients can safely move directly from the OR to Phase II (ambulatory surgery) if the anesthetic technique is safe. Sandra Barnes, MS, RN, CPAN, is a Nurse Manager for Ambulatory Surgery, PACU, and Pain Management at Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT; and Susan Russell, RN, JD, CPAN, CAPA, is a clinical manager, Perianesthesia Services, Seton Northwest Hospital, Austin, TX.