KRS 216B.153: Surgical smoke evacuation system requirement.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Energy-generating device" means any tool that performs a surgical function

using heat, laser, electricity, or another form of energy;

(b) "Smoke evacuation system" means smoke evacuators, laser plume evacuators,

or local exhau st ventilators that effectively capture and neutralize surgical

smoke at the site of origin and before the smoke can make ocular contact or

contact with the respiratory tract of the occupants of the room; and

(c) "Surgical smoke" means the by -product, incl uding surgical plume, smoke

plume, bio -aerosols, laser -generated airborne contaminants, and other lung -

damaging dust, that results from contact with tissue by an energy -generating

device.

(2) On or before January 1, 2022, in order to protect operating room nurses, operating

room personnel, and patients from the hazards of surgical smoke, the cabinet shall

promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A

requiring a health facility licensed under this chapter that utilizes energy -generating

devices to make use of a smoke evacuation system during any surgical procedure

that is likely to produce surgical smoke.