20 States Took a Stand for Their Nurses

  • Published: 4/15/2026
  • 2 min
In 1996, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) issued a bulletin recommending the control of surgical smoke generated during laser and electrosurgical procedures. It was a clear call to action—but for decades, that call went unanswered.
Fast forward to 2025, and the tide has finally turned. Twenty states have now passed legislation mandating surgical smoke evacuation in operating rooms, transforming a long-standing recommendation into law. This is more than policy—it’s a powerful statement that the health and dignity of perioperative professionals matter.

From Recommendation to Revolution

Back in 2023, only 11 states had passed smoke evacuation mandates. Today, nearly double that number have acted, thanks to tireless advocacy from nurses, coalitions, and public health leaders.

These laws reflect growing awareness of the dangers of surgical smoke—and a shared commitment to safer, healthier OR environments.

Hospitals That Lead From Within

While legislation is critical, some hospitals aren’t waiting for mandates. Facilities like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center implemented smoke evacuation standards before New York’s statewide law took effect. Their initiative was nurse-led.

“The fact that we made the change from within not only boosted compliance, but it was also the right thing to do.”

— Marcia Levine, VP of Nursing for Inpatient and Perioperative Services

This kind of proactive leadership is what sets hospitals apart—not just in compliance, but in culture.

What Nurses Are Saying

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In a 2022 McKinsey & Company survey, nurses ranked a safe working environment as their top priority.

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In a Nurse.org survey the same year, only 18% of perioperative nurses said they were happy in their current roles.

These numbers speak volumes.
In a time of staffing shortages and burnout, surgical smoke evacuation isn’t just a safety measure, it’s a signal that hospitals value their teams.

Change Takes Time—And Education

The journey to legislation isn’t always fast. It takes education, collaboration, and persistence. States like Delaware, Missouri, and North Carolina spent months building awareness, engaging stakeholders, and crafting policies that reflect the needs of surgical teams.

This movement proves that change doesn’t have to be rushed, it has to be rooted in understanding.

Don’t Wait to Protect Your Team

There’s no need to wait for your state to mandate surgical smoke evacuation. Hospitals can implement their own policies now—and many already have. The value of proactively protecting nurses and surgical staff is never wasted effort. It’s a decision you won’t regret, and it could make a world of difference.

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