Bill > SB490

This bill requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers in Texas to develop 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-product produced by energy-generating devices during surgery, which can include potentially harmful bio-aerosols and airborne contaminants. A surgical smoke evacuation system is equipment designed to capture, filter, and remove surgical smoke before it can contact patients or healthcare providers. By January 1, 2026, health care facilities must adopt a policy that mitigates exposure to surgical smoke, with the flexibility to choose a surgical smoke evacuation system that provides appropriate protection based on the specific surgical techniques performed at their facility. The goal is to protect healthcare workers and patients from potentially harmful airborne particles generated during surgical procedures. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, giving healthcare facilities time to develop and implement the required policies.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB490