Bill > HB218

This bill requires hospitals with licensed operating rooms to implement policies to prevent exposure to surgical smoke, which is the vapor produced during surgical procedures using tools like lasers or electrosurgical devices. The legislation addresses potential health risks associated with surgical smoke, which can contain harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde and may cause respiratory issues, migraines, and other health problems for healthcare workers and patients. Starting July 1, 2026, hospitals must use a "smoke evacuation system" for each procedure that generates surgical smoke, defined as the surgical plume created by energy-generating surgical devices that can damage lungs and create bio-aerosols. The smoke evacuation system must be designed to capture, filter, and remove surgical smoke at its origin to prevent contact with eyes or respiratory tracts. The Department of Health will ensure compliance through onsite inspections and by addressing any complaints about violations. This bill follows a trend seen in eighteen other states that have enacted similar surgical smoke evacuation mandate laws, and it aims to protect healthcare professionals and patients from potential long-term health risks associated with surgical smoke exposure.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=218&year=2025