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Bill

SB 490

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

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Borris Miles

SB 490 mandates Texas healthcare facilities adopt surgical smoke evacuation system policies to protect operating room staff from occupational respiratory hazards during surgical procedures.

Referred to Health & Human Services
#health--general(i0385) #hospitals(i0400) #safety(i0740)
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Bill Summary · SB 490

Legislative bill overview

SB 490 requires certain Texas healthcare facilities to adopt and implement policies for surgical smoke evacuation systems in operating rooms and other surgical environments. The bill mandates that facilities establish protocols to capture and filter smoke and aerosols produced during surgical procedures using appropriate ventilation technology.

Why is this important

Surgical smoke—produced by electrosurgical units, lasers, and other instruments—contains potentially harmful particles and may carry viruses or tissue debris. Healthcare workers chronically exposed to unfiltered surgical smoke face documented respiratory risks, making evacuation systems an occupational health and safety issue. Standardizing these policies across facilities protects both medical staff and patients while potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs from respiratory illness.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Healthcare facilities may face significant expenses retrofitting operating rooms with evacuation systems, which could burden smaller hospitals or rural facilities disproportionately
  • Scope and applicability: Unclear which healthcare facilities are covered ("certain" facilities) and whether the threshold is based on bed count, procedure volume, or facility type, creating potential compliance ambiguity
  • Enforcement and compliance mechanisms: The bill does not specify penalties for non-compliance, inspection procedures, or how the Texas Medical Board or other agencies will monitor implementation and effectiveness

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

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