Legislative UPdate (Joanne Oliver)

      Both of our surgical smoke evacuation bills were filed early, with the Public Health Committee passing HB 513 out of committee without amendments two and a half weeks earlier than in 2023. The Calendars Committee will consider the Public Health Committee report and hopefully schedule a full House vote soon. 

      A hearing in the Senate’s Health and Human Services Committee for the bill still needs to be scheduled, passed out of the Senate committee, and sent to the full Senate for a vote. (We think they may be waiting for the results of the House vote.)

      When it is time for a full vote of the House or Senate, you will be sent a voter-voice link from AORN Government Affairs so everyone can make calls or send emails to ask their Representative or Senator to vote in favor of our bill. Please respond when asked. This will assist in encouraging the passage of our bills.

      We still feel optimistic about the passage of our bill, which will help us all provide a safe work environment for our patients, physicians, and staff.