Surgical Robotics Technology
The 2022 state legislative sessions are well underway, and AORN is working on surgical smoke evacuation legislation in nine states, with an expectation that two additional bills will be introduced this year. Already, three surgical smoke bills have been heard in committee and advanced for further consideration.
WA HB 1779, a bill introduced by Rep. Callan on January 5, was voted out of the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee unanimously on January 21. The bill is now awaiting a schedule for a floor vote in the House.
UT HB 58, sponsored by Rep. Lesser, was heard by the House Health and Human Services Committee on Friday, January 28. After robust testimony, including voiced opposition from the Utah Hospital Association, the Committee voted 9-4 to approve HB 58. The bill advances to the full House of Representatives for a vote expected by mid-February.
AZ HB 2434, a bill introduced by Rep. Shah, was heard in the House Health and Human Services Committee on January 31. The Committee unanimously voted for the bill and now it moves to the House floor.
In all three states, AORN members engaged with their state nurses’ association and other stakeholders to support surgical smoke evacuation legislation for the health and safety of OR staff.
Source: AORN.
