H_HI_2019A 01/22/2019 10:38:22 AM Committee Summary

Representative Buckner, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1041 to the committee and distributed a handout (Attachment A).  The bill requires health facilities that perform surgery to adopt and implement a policy to use a surgical smoke evacuation system during any procedure using energy-generating surgical medical devices that produce a gaseous byproduct known as surgical smoke.  The policy must be implemented by May 1, 2021.

Representative Lontine proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Karen Elliott, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), testified in support of the bill.  

Mary Ogg, AORN, testified in support of the bill.

Deb Hedrick, AORN, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Hedrick and Ms. Ogg responded to committee questions.

Melony Prince, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Amy Hader, AORN, testified in support of the bill and read the testimony of Chris Lolley and Lil Bostram.

Michelle Jaskunas, AORN, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Lisa Hunsicker, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  Dr. Hunsicker responded to committee questions.

Amber Burkhart, Colorado Hospital Association, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Burkhart responded to committee questions.

Ms. Prince returned to the table to respond to committee questions.

Rep. Buckner distributed amendment L.002 to the committee (Attachment B).

Ms. Hader returned to the table to respond to questions.

The committee discussed amendment L.002 (Attachment B).

Representative Buckner gave concluding remarks on the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.