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, including surgical plume and laser-generated airborne contaminants. However, the requirement for a smoke evacuation system can be waived if the healthcare provider determines that it is not necessary or advisable for the specific circumstances of the procedure.

The bill introduces new legal language under section 50.36 (1r) of the statutes, defining key terms such as "operating room," "smoke evacuation system," and "surgical smoke." It also outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Health Services in enforcing these policies. The intent of the legislation is to enhance safety in surgical environments by minimizing the risks associated with surgical smoke exposure for both patients and healthcare workers.