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HB 27

An Act amending the act of July 19, 1979 (P.L.130, No.48), known as the Health Care Facilities Act, in licensing of health care facilities, providing for surgical smoke evacuation systems.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Bonner and 17 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill mandates surgical smoke evacuation systems in health care facilities to protect staff and patients from hazardous particles during surgical procedures.

Re-referred to Appropriations
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Bill Summary · HB 27

Legislative bill overview

HB 27 amends Pennsylvania's Health Care Facilities Act to establish requirements for surgical smoke evacuation systems in licensed health care facilities. The bill mandates that facilities performing surgical procedures install and maintain equipment to capture and filter smoke produced during operations. This represents a regulatory update to existing facility licensing standards.

Why is this important

Surgical smoke—created by electrosurgical devices, lasers, and ultrasonic scalpels—contains potentially hazardous particles and viral particles that pose occupational health risks to surgical staff and may affect patient outcomes. Currently, no federal standard comprehensively addresses surgical smoke in all operating environments, leaving it primarily to state regulation. This bill fills a gap in Pennsylvania's health care facility requirements and reflects growing medical evidence about the importance of smoke evacuation.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Facilities will incur expenses for purchasing, installing, and maintaining evacuation systems, with potential financial burden falling on smaller surgical centers
  • Compliance timeline: The bill's effectiveness date and timeline for existing facilities to achieve compliance is not detailed in available information, creating uncertainty for facilities
  • Scope and specificity: Questions about which procedures trigger requirements, acceptable system types, and specific performance standards could lead to varying interpretations across facilities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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