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WI SB442
WI SB442Requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to implement policies to prevent exposure to surgical smoke in operating rooms. (FE)
summary
Introduced
09/29/2025
09/29/2025
In Committee
10/28/2025
10/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill directs the Department of Health Services to require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt and implement policies to prevent exposure to surgical smoke in operating rooms by requiring the use of a smoke evacuation procedure in the operating room during any surgical procedure that is likely to generate surgical smoke. This bill does not require the use of a smoke evacuation system if the health care provider who is engaging in the surgical procedure that is likely to generate surgical smoke concludes that using a smoke evacuation system in the operating room during the surgical procedure is not necessary or advisable under the circumstances. Under the bill, Xsurgical smokeY is defined to mean the gaseous byproduct produced by energy-generating devices including surgical plume, smoke plume, bio-aerosols, laser-generated airborne contaminants, or lung- damaging dust. A smoke evacuation system is equipment that effectively captures and filters surgical smoke at the site of origin before the smoke makes contact with the eyes or respiratory tract of occupants in the room. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-2073/1 JPC:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 442
AI Summary
This bill requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to implement policies that prevent exposure to surgical smoke in operating rooms by mandating the use of smoke evacuation systems during surgical procedures likely to generate smoke. The bill defines key terms, including "operating room" (a room used for surgical procedures requiring incisions), "smoke evacuation system" (equipment that captures and filters surgical smoke before it contacts room occupants), and "surgical smoke" (gaseous byproducts from energy-generating devices like surgical plumes and laser-generated contaminants). The requirement can be waived if a healthcare provider determines that using a smoke evacuation system is not necessary or advisable during a specific procedure. This legislation aims to protect healthcare workers from potential health risks associated with inhaling surgical smoke, which can contain harmful particles and potentially infectious materials generated during surgical procedures.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (6)
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R)*,
Joy Goeben (R),
Rick Gundrum (R),
Nate Gustafson (R),
Jeff Mursau (R),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Last Action
Fiscal estimate received (on 11/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb442 |
| Fiscal Note - SB442: Fiscal Estimate From DHS | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb442/sb442_dhs.pdf |
| SB442 ROCP for Committee on Health On 10/28/2025 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/health/1950338.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB442.pdf |
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