SB 921 Pennsylvania Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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.

SB 921 requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities in Pennsylvania to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems by January 1, 2027, to prevent exposure to surgical smoke generated during procedures. The bill defines "surgical smoke" as the plume from energy-based surgical tools, including harmful bio-aerosols and contaminants. The Department of Health will enforce this during facility inspections and when addressing complaints about violations. This policy directly affects healthcare facilities by mandating specific safety equipment to protect staff and patients from respiratory and eye exposure during surgeries.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jul 8, 2025 Last action Jul 8, 2025
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Committee
1
Jul 8, 2025
Committee
Referred to Health & Human Services
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

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