From Bills to Breakthroughs: Smoke Legislation Milestones of 2025

  • Published: 2/3/2026
  • 2 min

2025 marked a turning point in the fight for surgical smoke safety.

What began as years of advocacy by perioperative nurses and healthcare champions has now transformed into concrete legislative victories across the country. With 20 states now smoke-free in their operating rooms, the movement has shifted from isolated wins to a nationwide wave of progress. This year, hospitals and surgical centers across the U.S. are stepping forward to protect their teams, proving that clean air in the OR is no longer optional—it’s the new standard of care.

State Milestones

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Minnesota

Effective January 1, 2025, hospitals and surgical centers must install smoke evacuation systems.

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Ohio

Beginning January 1, 2025, OR teams gained new protections under statewide smoke evacuation requirements.

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Virginia

On July 1, 2025, hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers were required to adopt smoke evacuation policies, ensuring safer environments for staff and patients.

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West Virginia

Effective January 1, 2025, facilities must use evacuation systems to clear surgical smoke from the OR.

Congratulations to these states for enacting smoke-free OR legislation and leading the way in protecting surgical teams.

Why These Wins Matter

Each of these laws represents more than compliance — they are breakthroughs in recognizing the health and dignity of perioperative professionals. Surgical smoke contains toxic chemicals, viruses, and carcinogens. By mandating evacuation systems, these states are setting a precedent that clean air in the OR is not optional, but essential.

Hospitals at the Crossroads

With legislation paving the way, hospitals now have the opportunity to lead. By embracing smoke evacuation technologies and fostering supportive OR cultures, facilities can move beyond compliance to become champions of change. These actions not only protect staff but also improve patient outcomes and demonstrate a commitment to modern, safe surgical care.

Looking Ahead

2025 was a year of breakthroughs, but the movement is far from over. More states are considering similar bills, and every hospital has the power to act now. Each milestone brings us closer to a future where no surgical team has to choose between doing their job and breathing clean air.

View CONMED's Smoke Evacuation Portfolio