you can connect. It
also knows the ropes
about how to get
things accomplished
in often bewildering
government environ-
ments. "You need to
work with the right
people in each leg-
islative office," says
Ms. Pennock. "People
go out with good
hearts and great
enthusiasm, but it takes a lot of knowledge, understanding and
experience to work within the system."
AORN has teamed with state nursing associations, clinicians and
other stakeholders to engage and educate legislators. As of May 2020,
the effort has now borne fruit in 12 U.S. states, with two of those
already passing laws, according to Ms. Pennock (see "Nationwide
Lobbying Efforts Paying Off").
Making the right people aware of surgical smoke can open eyes and
lead to action, because most laypeople have no idea it's an issue and
usually are surprised to learn of it. "In Tennessee, a state senator
came to the exhibit hall at 2019 AORN Expo, saw a demonstration on
surgical smoke, and was really moved by it," says Ms. Pennock. "She
wanted to sponsor legislation — and she's in leadership. You've got to
run with those opportunities."
OSM
J U N E 2 0 2 0 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 6 9
HOOK IT UP Numerous facilities have smoke evacuation systems in place that
aren't used.
