This bill establishes standards for surgical smoke evacuation in healthcare facilities licensed in Arkansas. It introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code, specifically 20-9-225, which defines key terms related to surgical smoke and the necessary equipment for its evacuation. The definitions include "energy-generating device," which refers to tools that perform surgical functions using various forms of energy, and "smoke evacuation system," which encompasses devices designed to capture and neutralize surgical smoke at its source. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a smoke evacuation system does not need to be connected to other ventilation or medical gas systems.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that any licensed healthcare facility utilizing energy-generating devices must implement a smoke evacuation system during surgical procedures that are likely to produce surgical smoke. The State Board of Health and the Department of Health are granted the authority to take necessary actions in response to violations of this new requirement. This legislation aims to enhance safety and health standards in surgical environments by addressing the risks associated with surgical smoke exposure.