Senate Bill 442 mandates that hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers in Wisconsin implement policies to prevent exposure to surgical smoke in operating rooms. The bill requires the use of a smoke evacuation system during any surgical procedure likely to generate surgical smoke, which is defined as the gaseous byproduct from energy-generating devices. A smoke evacuation system is specified as equipment that captures and filters this smoke before it can affect the eyes or respiratory tract of individuals in the operating room.

However, the bill includes a provision that allows health care providers to forgo the use of a smoke evacuation system if they determine that it is not necessary or advisable for a specific surgical procedure. This flexibility ensures that medical professionals can make decisions based on the unique circumstances of each surgery. The bill aims to enhance safety and health standards in surgical environments by addressing the risks associated with surgical smoke exposure.