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Bill

HB 513

Relating to the adoption and implementation of a surgical smoke evacuation system policy at certain health care facilities.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Donna Howard and 1 co-sponsor

Texas requires healthcare facilities to establish surgical smoke evacuation system policies to protect workers and patients from inhalation exposure during surgical procedures.

Placed on General State Calendar
#health--general(i0385) #hospitals(i0400) #medicalcarefacilities(s0455) #safety(i0740)
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Bill Summary · HB 513

Legislative bill overview

HB 513 requires certain Texas healthcare facilities to adopt and implement policies for surgical smoke evacuation systems in operating rooms and other surgical settings. The bill establishes standards for managing smoke plume—a byproduct of surgical procedures using electrosurgical devices, lasers, or ultrasonic scalpels—to protect both patients and healthcare workers from inhalation exposure.

Why is this important

Surgical smoke contains toxic chemicals, viable cellular material, and potentially infectious particles. Healthcare workers face repeated exposure during their careers, creating occupational health concerns including respiratory irritation and potential long-term effects. The bill addresses a workplace safety gap that has received increasing attention from medical organizations and occupational health advocates, though it remains unregulated in most states.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Installing, maintaining, and operating evacuation systems adds capital and operational expenses to healthcare facilities, with costs varying significantly based on facility size and existing infrastructure
  • Scope of coverage: Determining which facilities are "certain" healthcare facilities—hospitals only, surgical centers, dental practices, veterinary facilities—affects how broadly the requirement applies and associated compliance costs
  • Specificity of standards: The bill's reference to "a policy" rather than prescriptive technical standards could create inconsistency in protection levels or allow facilities to adopt minimal compliance measures without meaningful health protection

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

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