January 19, 2016 — New Hampshire has joined the group of states contemplating a breast density inform law following the introduction of a bill Jan. 6 in the state House.
HB 1273, as the bill is designated, would require healthcare providers that perform mammography screening to notify women whose mammograms reveal dense fibroglandular breast tissue. The mandated language of the notice alerts patients that dense breast tissue can mask cancers on mammograms, and that they should consult with their physician on the necessity of additional screening.
If passed through both chambers, the measure would take effect 60 days after being signed into law.
New Hampshire is the second state to introduce a breast density inform bill this month, as the Vermont state Senate tabled a similar proposal Jan. 5. Under the resolution, all patients receiving mammograms would be informed of their breast density classification under the American College of Radiology’s Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS); patients classified in the dense categories must be notified that they may benefit from additional screening.
If Vermont and New Hampshire both enact their measures, they would become the 25th and 26th states, respectively, to do so.
For more information: www.densebreast-info.org
