2024 -- S 2609 SUBSTITUTE A

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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: Senators Valverde, Lawson, Sosnowski, Gallo, Lauria, Murray, DiMario,
Ujifusa, Quezada, and Euer

     Date Introduced: March 01, 2024

     Referred To: Senate 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.

     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 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 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 the 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.”

     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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