Virginia mulls breast density legislation
Lawmakers in the commonwealth of Virginia are debating the implications of breast density notification legislation.
The legislation would require the Board of Health to establish guidelines requiring all mammogram reports to include information on breast density and provide the information to patients with dense breast tissue. Patients also would be notified that supplementary screening tests may be beneficial, depending on individual risk factors.
On Dec. 21, 2011, Robert Orrock (R-Thornburg) introduced HB 83 in the House. The proposal passed on Jan. 27. The corresponding Senate bill, SB 544 sponsored by Sen. John S. Edwards (D-Roanoke), was passed unanimously on Jan. 31.
Supplemental studies typically include screening ultrasound or MRI.
For more about screening breast ultrasound, please read “Breast Ultrasound Screening Marches into Practice.”
The legislation would require the Board of Health to establish guidelines requiring all mammogram reports to include information on breast density and provide the information to patients with dense breast tissue. Patients also would be notified that supplementary screening tests may be beneficial, depending on individual risk factors.
On Dec. 21, 2011, Robert Orrock (R-Thornburg) introduced HB 83 in the House. The proposal passed on Jan. 27. The corresponding Senate bill, SB 544 sponsored by Sen. John S. Edwards (D-Roanoke), was passed unanimously on Jan. 31.
Supplemental studies typically include screening ultrasound or MRI.
For more about screening breast ultrasound, please read “Breast Ultrasound Screening Marches into Practice.”