Bill > HB513

This bill requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers in Texas to adopt and implement a policy for using surgical smoke evacuation systems during surgical procedures that are likely to generate surgical smoke. The bill defines "surgical smoke" as the gaseous by-products produced by energy-generating devices during surgery, which can include harmful airborne contaminants. A "surgical smoke evacuation system" is equipment designed to capture, filter, and remove surgical smoke before it can come into contact with patients or healthcare providers' eyes or respiratory tracts. Health care facilities will have the flexibility to choose a surgical smoke evacuation system that provides adequate protection based on the specific surgical techniques performed at their facility. The bill mandates that these facilities must develop and implement such a policy by January 1, 2026, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025. The goal of this legislation is to protect patients and medical staff from potential health risks associated with surgical smoke exposure during medical procedures.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB513