Kentucky Smoke Bill Passes Senate

SB 91, a bill to require surgical smoke evacuation in Kentucky operating rooms, passed the Kentucky Senate unanimously on Tuesday, February 18. The bill, which was introduced and championed by Sen. Julie Raque Adams on January 14, moved quickly through the Senate Health and Welfare Committee without opposition. Prior to the vote, Kentucky Senators heard from many AORN members about the hazards in surgical smoke and the need for consistent use of evacuation equipment. The bill is now under consideration in the Kentucky House of Representatives.

AORN is working with AORN members and the Kentucky Nurses Association to advocate for SB 91 which is now under consideration in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Members interested in supporting SB 91 should contact AORN’s Senior Manager of Government Affairs, Jennifer Pennock, and can also refer to AORN’s Action Center for advocacy opportunities in the coming weeks.

The Kentucky General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on April 15, 2020.