2024 -- H 7734

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LC005337

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DENSE BREAST NOTIFICATION AND

EDUCATION

     Introduced By: Representatives Kislak, Fogarty, Ajello, Boylan, Speakman, Corvese,
Potter, Cruz, Morales, and Caldwell

     Date Introduced: February 28, 2024

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 23-12.9-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-12.9 entitled "Dense

Breast Notification and Education" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     23-12.9-2. Public policy goals — Department of health.

     (a) The department of health, through the Rhode Island Cancer Council, is authorized and

mandated to implement the following public health policy goals as they relate to dense breast

notification in Rhode Island. Commencing on October 1, 2014, all healthcare facilities that perform

mammography examinations shall include in the summary of the mammography report to be

provided to a patient by mail, electronically, or otherwise, information that identifies the patient’s

individual Breast Tissue Classification based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System

established by the American College of Radiology. If the

     (b) The facility determines that a patient has heterogeneously or extremely dense breasts,

the summary of the mammography report shall also include the following mandated FDA National

Reporting Standard for breast density patient notification language in notice to the patient:

     “Your mammogram indicates that you have dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue is

relatively common and is found in about forty percent (40%) of women. The presence of dense

tissue can make it more difficult to detect cancers in the breast by mammography because it can

hide small abnormalities and may be associated with an increased risk. Hence, you may benefit

from supplementary screening tests, which may include a breast ultrasound screening, or a breast

MRI examination, or both, depending on your individual risk factors.

     We are providing this information to raise your awareness of this important factor and to

encourage you to discuss your dense breast tissue, as well as other breast cancer risk factors, with

your healthcare provider. Together, you can decide which screening options are right for you.

     A report of your results was sent to your physician. You should contact your physician if

you have any questions or concerns about this report.”

     (1) If NOT DENSE: "Breast tissue can be either dense or not dense. Dense tissue makes it

harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram and also raises the risk of developing breast cancer.

Your breast tissue is not dense. Talk to your healthcare provider about breast density, risks for

breast cancer, and your individual situation."

     (2) If DENSE: "Breast tissue can be either dense or not dense. Dense tissue makes it harder

to find breast cancer on a mammogram and also raises the risk of developing breast cancer. Your

breast tissue is dense. In some people with dense tissue, other imaging tests in addition to a

mammogram may help find cancers. Talk to your healthcare provider about breast density, risks

for breast cancer, and your individual situation."

     (c) A written report from the facility to referring providers shall include assessment of

breast density, classified as one of the following:

     (1) The breasts are almost entirely fatty;

     (2) There are scattered areas of fibroglandular density;

     (3) The breasts are heterogeneous dense, which may obscure small masses; or

     (4) The breasts are extremely dense, which lowers the sensitivity of mammography.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DENSE BREAST NOTIFICATION AND

EDUCATION

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     This act would amend the notice requirement to patients to follow the mandated FDA

national reporting standards following a mammogram.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005337

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