MA H2442

Requires all Massachusetts-licensed hospitals and freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities to adopt policies ensuring elimination of surgical smoke through smoke evacuation systems during procedures using energy-based devices such as electrosurgery and lasers

Defines "surgical smoke" as by-products including surgical plume, bio-aerosols, laser-generated airborne contaminants, and lung-damaging dust resulting from energy devices contacting tissue

Imposes a fine of not less than $500 per violation for facilities that fail to comply with the smoke evacuation requirements

Takes effect January 1, 2026, with all covered facilities required to report their compliance policies to the Department of Public Health by April 1, 2026