On December 17, 20222, the OR Surgical Smoke legislation (A9974-Gottfried/S8869-Rivera) was signed into law by Governor Hochul.  ANA-NY, NYONL, AORN-NY and other member organizations of the New York Nursing Alliance have long supported this bill. See attached letter of support.

Under the law, hospitals and ambulatory surgery facilities must adopt and implement policies to prevent exposure to surgical smoke by requiring surgical smoke evacuation systems be used in every procedure where there is surgical smoke.  

The New York Nursing Alliance  applauds this action by the Governor that will ensure safe workplaces for all Operating Room staff in New York State.