HB173

An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Surgical Smoke.

Complete·8/25/25

Delaware HB173 mandates health care employers to use smoke evacuation systems during surgeries to protect staff from surgical smoke.

Delaware HB173 amends Title 16 of the Delaware Code to require hospitals and freestanding surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during surgeries that produce smoke. This law defines "health care employer" and "smoke evacuation system," and mandates these systems to capture and filter smoke at its source. The Division of Health Care Quality will enforce these requirements, which must be implemented by April 1, 2026.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

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6
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

21 Yea

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0 Nay

History

Aug 25, 2025

Signed by Governor

Jun 30, 2025

Senate

Reported Out of Committee (Executive) in Senate with 3 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits

Jun 30, 2025

Senate

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES