Georgia Smoke Bill Gets a Hearing

SB 347, a bill to require hospitals and ASCs in the state to have a policy to evacuate surgical smoke, was considered by the Georgia Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Monday, March 2.

AORN Past President Brenda Ulmer, RN, MN, CNOR testified in support of the bill introduced by Senator Gloria Butler and shared her own experience with asthma due to surgical smoke, in addition to the wealth of research on the dangers and hazards of plume. The committee heard from opponents of the legislation as well, and Senator Butler suggested the bill be moved to a study committee for further consideration. Georgia Senate study committees are special committees of the Senate created to meet during the interim with limited jurisdiction to study a specific issue like surgical smoke evacuation.

AORN is working with the Georgia Nurses Association on next steps for the legislation and our joint advocacy efforts. Please contact Jennifer Pennock for more information on this or any of the surgical smoke evacuation bills AORN is tracking this year.