Urge Representative Tomkow to Support HB 93 Protection from Surgical Smoke

Legislative Action Alert: Nurses in Hillsborough County Needed!

For the past several years, the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) has been working to pass legislation requiring mandatory surgical smoke evacuation in Florida's hospitals and surgical centers. Surgical smoke contains harmful chemicals, viruses, carcinogens, and cellular debris that pose serious risks to the health and safety of nurses, surgical teams, and patients. Every day that surgical smoke goes unregulated is another day frontline healthcare workers are exposed to preventable hazards.

Thanks to years of advocacy by nurses across the state, we are closer than ever to securing this essential workplace protection. HB 93 would finally require Florida facilities to adopt surgical smoke evacuation systems--bringing our state in line with national best practices.

To move this bill forward, we need the support of Representative Josie Tomkow, who serves many nurses living and working in Hillsborough County. Her backing will be critical to advancing HB 93 this session.

We Need You to Take Action Today

If you live in Hillsborough County, your voice matters. Please take a moment to email Representative Tomkow and urge her to support HB 93. Hearing directly from constituents--especially nurses who understand this issue firsthand--makes a powerful impact.

Your outreach helps ensure she understands:

  • The serious health risks posed by surgical smoke

  • How this issue affects nurses and patient care

  • Why mandatory surgical smoke evacuation is a necessary safety standard

  • That her constituents strongly support HB 93

How to Take Action

1. Send an Email

Use the form below to send a message directly to Representative Tomkow.

Your email should be:

  • Brief and personal

  • Written in your own words

  • Clear about why this issue matters in your practice or workplace

  • A direct request for her to support HB 93

Suggested points to include:

  • Describe your role in nursing or perioperative care

  • Explain any firsthand experience with surgical smoke exposure

  • Highlight why smoke evacuation is essential for nurse safety and quality patient care

  • Ask her to support HB 93 and protect the health of Florida's healthcare workforce