Relating to the adoption and implementation of a surgical smoke evacuation system policy at certain health care facilities.

HB 513 requires Texas hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using surgical smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. These systems capture and filter smoke produced by surgical tools before it contacts patients or healthcare workers. The law applies to facilities licensed under Chapters 241 or 243 of the Health and Safety Code and mandates full implementation by January 1, 2026. The bill defines surgical smoke as gaseous byproducts from energy-generating surgical devices and requires facilities to choose systems that protect both patients and staff. This policy change takes effect September 1, 2025.