4 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J u l y 2 0 1 8
S
urgical teams in Rhode Island can breathe a little easier
thanks to a new state law that mandates the use of sur-
gical smoke evacuators in all licensed hospitals and sur-
gery centers whenever a procedure produces plume.
The law, passed last month, is the first of its kind in the
country that protects OR staff from surgical smoke. Surgical facilities
must report compliance with the mandate to the state health depart-
ment by April 1, 2019.
The landmark legislation generated cheers from surgical profession-
als across the country who've grown tired of being exposed to air-
borne chemicals, carcinogens, viruses and bacteria. For now, they're
When Will Your State Outlaw Surgical Smoke?
Last month, Rhode Island passed the first state law mandating surgical
smoke evacuation. It could help clear the air in ORs across the country.
• KICK THE HABIT Surgeons prefer to work with unobtrusive smoke evacuators that are integrated with surgical instruments.
AORN,
Inc.
Daniel Cook | Executive Editor