Committee advances bill to require surgical‑smoke evacuation systems in Florida operating rooms

Representative Woodson introduced HB 93 and presented an amendment that would redefine the term "smoke evacuation system" and clarify when such systems must be used during surgical procedures. The sponsor said the amendment addresses the bill's core safety standard.

Speakers from the Florida Nurses Association and other perioperative groups testified in strong support. Sandra Falk, a retired operating room nurse, described personal health diagnoses she raised as possibly linked to surgical smoke exposure. Megan Maroney, vice president of the Florida Nurses Association, cited research and a survey of Florida operating‑room nurses saying surgical smoke is produced in 90 percent of surgeries and compared a day's exposure to smoking 27–30 unfiltered cigarettes; she said 95 percent of surveyed facilities had equipment but only 13 percent reported consistent evacuation use.

Testimony characterized surgical smoke as a toxic workplace hazard and argued for a statewide, consistent standard so patients and staff receive protection regardless of facility. The committee adopted the sponsor's amendment without objection and members praised the sponsor's persistence over multiple sessions.

The clerk called the roll; the committee reported HB 93 favorably as amended with a recorded tally of 25 yays, 0 nays. The sponsor said she will continue to pursue the bill on the House floor.