bill rewriting breast density notices after mammograms

The text as introduced · 457 words

89R4042 AB-F

By: Lalani
H.B. No. 2659

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to certain mammography reports providing required breast

density information.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 86.013(a), Health and Safety Code, is

amended to read as follows:

(a) A [ On completion of a mammogram, a ] mammography

facility certified by the United States Food and Drug

Administration or by a certification agency approved by the United

States Food and Drug Administration shall :

(1) be aware of and comply with all applicable federal

and state "dense breast" reporting requirements; and

(2) on completion of a mammogram provide to the

patient :

(A) based on the patient's reported breast

density, [ the following ] notice that includes one of the following :

(i) for a mammography report identifying

the patient's breast density as "The breasts are almost entirely

fatty" or "There are scattered areas of fibroglandular density,"

the statement: "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.";

or

(ii) for a mammography report identifying

the patient's breast density as "The breasts are heterogeneously

dense, which may obscure small masses" or "The breasts are

extremely dense, which lowers the sensitivity of mammography," the

statement: "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 health

care provider about breast density, risks for breast cancer, and

your individual situation."; and

(B) notice that includes the statement:

[ "If your mammogram demonstrates that you have dense breast

tissue, which could hide abnormalities, and you have other risk

factors for breast cancer that have been identified, you might

benefit from supplemental screening tests that may be suggested by

your ordering physician.

[ "Dense breast tissue, in and of itself, is a relatively

common condition. Therefore, this information is not provided to

cause undue concern, but rather to raise your awareness and to

promote discussion with your physician regarding the presence of

other risk factors, in addition to dense breast tissue. ]

"A report of your mammography results will be sent to you and

your physician. You should contact your physician if you have any

questions or concerns regarding this report."

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.