Health Policy News

Multiple state legislatures take up the issue of surgical smoke in the operating room.

State poised to enact surgical smoke evacuation legislation in 2026.

The effort to pass mandatory surgical smoke evacuation legislation in statehouses across the U.S. continues in 2025 with the ultimate goal of removing toxic plume from the air of every OR in every state.

In honor of National Nurses Week, the Nursing Community Coalition held a “Thank a Nurse” reception on Capitol Hill.

New Minnesota smoke evacuation law goes into effect January 1, 2025.

New law takes effect July 1, 2025.

West Virginia celebrates being “sweet sixteen” as the 16th state to enact smoke evacuation legislation.

Arkansas Capitol demonstration gives legislators firsthand experience with surgical smoke.

Virginia Smoke Evacuation Legislation headed to Governor Youngkin.

Newly updated code requires evacuation of surgical smoke at the source.

California nurses unite for legislative success.

With surgical smoke laws now on the books in 14 states, surgical leaders might feel the pressure to put the moving parts in place to become smoke-free. Don't worry, it's doable. Just look at the hundreds of facilities who've already implemented clear air initiatives. Read about some of the tools AORN's smoke evacuation experts have created to get you there.

Missouri Claims 14th State to go Surgical Smoke Free.

New Ohio surgical smoke evacuation law in effect in 2024.

New law in Louisiana makes it the 12th state to go surgical smoke-free.

SB 29 now under consideration in state House.

April update to state enacted laws requiring surgical smoke evacuation for planned surgical procedures in their operating rooms.

Now 11 states with surgical smoke laws on the books.

Since 2018, eleven states have enacted laws requiring surgical smoke evacuation for planned surgical procedures in their operating rooms.