The proposed bill establishes standards for surgical smoke evacuation in healthcare facilities licensed in Arkansas. It introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code, specifically defining key terms related to surgical smoke and the necessary equipment for its evacuation. Definitions include "energy-generating device," which refers to tools that utilize heat, laser, or electricity for surgical functions, and "smoke evacuation system," which encompasses devices designed to capture and neutralize surgical smoke at its source. The bill clarifies that these smoke evacuation systems do not need to be connected to existing surgical ventilation or medical gas systems.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that any healthcare facility using 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 against any violations of this new requirement. This legislation aims to enhance safety and health standards within surgical environments by addressing the risks associated with surgical smoke exposure.