Bill > SB921

This bill amends the Health Care Facilities Act to require ambulatory surgical facilities and hospitals to implement policies for preventing surgical smoke exposure by January 1, 2027. Specifically, these healthcare facilities must use smoke evacuation systems during any medical procedures that generate surgical smoke, which is defined as the plume created by energy-generating surgical devices and includes bio-aerosols, laser-generated airborne contaminants, and lung-damaging dust. A smoke evacuation system is described as equipment designed to capture, filter, and remove surgical smoke at its origin, preventing it from making contact with an individual's eyes or respiratory tract. The Pennsylvania Department of Health will ensure compliance with these new requirements during on-site inspections and when investigating related complaints. The bill aims to protect healthcare workers and patients from potential health risks associated with surgical smoke exposure by mandating the use of specialized smoke removal technologies.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=921