(1) As used in this section:
(a) “Energy-generating device” means any tool that performs a surgical function using heat, laser, electricity, or another form of energy;

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(b) “Smoke evacuation system” means smoke evacuators, laser plume evacuators, or local exhaust ventilators that effectively capture and neutralize surgical smoke at the site of origin and before the smoke can make ocular contact or contact with the respiratory tract of the occupants of the room; and
(c) “Surgical smoke” means the by-product, including surgical plume, smoke plume, bio-aerosols, laser-generated airborne contaminants, and other lung- damaging dust, that results from contact with tissue by an energy-generating device.
(2) On or before January 1, 2022, in order to protect operating room nurses, operating room personnel, and patients from the hazards of surgical smoke, the cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A requiring a health facility licensed under this chapter that utilizes energy-generating devices to make use of a smoke evacuation system during any surgical procedure that is likely to produce surgical smoke.
Effective: June 29, 2021
History: Created 2021 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021.