April 26, 2016 — Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed HB2601 into law, making the Oklahoma the 26th state to report a patient's breast tissue composition through the mammography reporting results.
Under the terms of the law, all healthcare facilities that perform mammography exams must include information that identifies the patient’s fibroglandular breast density according to the American College of Radiology’s Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). If a patient is determined to have heterogeneously or extremely dense breast tissue, the legislation requires specific language explaining the health risks associated with dense breast tissue. Patients may also be directed to further informational resources from the ACR, American Cancer Society or Mammography Saves Lives.
The law will become effective in November 2016.
“This is an important day for women’s breast health in Oklahoma,” reported Rep. Mike Ritze, a physician and surgeon, who championed the density reporting legislation. "The legislation will standardize the communication of breast tissue density across the state to promote further dialog with healthcare providers about a woman's personalized breast screening."
For more information: www.areyoudenseadvocacy.org