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July 1, 2025
RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Nurses Association is celebrating the passage of legislation that includes protections for operating room nurses from toxic surgical smoke.
The language from HB390: Alleviate the Dangers of Surgical Smoke was signed by Governor Josh Stein on July 1 as part of a larger healthcare package and will take effect January 1, 2026.
This language, championed by NCNA nurse legislators Representative Carla Cunningham and Representative Donna White, makes operating rooms safer by requiring hospitals to install filtration systems to remove harmful surgical smoke, a hazardous by-product of surgical procedures that use heat-generating devices like lasers, ultrasonic scalpels, and electric knives.
Surgical smoke legislation has been a top policy priority for NCNA, and its passage is a major win for nurses across the state. North Carolina is now the 19th state in the country to enact these powerful protections. NCNA has proudly and tirelessly pursued this legislation for several years in partnership with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and is thrilled to see the General Assembly protect nurses.
There is no safe level of exposure to surgical smoke and the average daily impact is the equivalent of 27-30 unfiltered cigarettes.1 Because of this, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health recommends that a smoke evacuator always be on during procedures that emit surgical smoke.
Communities across the state are facing nursing shortages at a time when nurses are reporting burnout and leaving the profession. Ensuring the health and safety of operating room nurses is essential to providing accessible, affordable, and quality care.
NCNA will always support legislation that protects nurses and moves Nursing Forward®.
MEDIA CONTACT
Tina Gordon, MPA, CAE, FACHE
CEO
(919) 821-4250 or tinagordon@ncnurses.org
ABOUT NCNA
As the leading professional organization for North Carolina’s registered nurses, we equip nurses at all stages to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment. NCNA helps keep North Carolina nurses on the cutting edge of nursing practice, policy, education, and more. Join us as we work to advance nursing and ensure high-quality healthcare for everyone.
Established in 1902, NCNA provides continuing education, networking and legislative advocacy for registered nurses throughout North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.ncnurses.org.
MISSION STATEMENT
The North Carolina Nurses Association serves the changing needs of its members, addresses nursing issues, and advocates for the health and well-being of all people.