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6/28/2024
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New law will ensure up-to-date dense breast notifications following mammograms
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STATE HOUSE – A newly signed law sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Kislak and Sen. Bridget Valverde will ensure that women with dense breast tissue receive the most up-to-date notification following their mammograms. The bill was approved by the General Assembly June 13 and signed by Gov. Daniel McKee June 25.
The legislation (2024-H 7734A, 2024-S 2609A) eliminated parts of the previous notification law, which spelled out exactly the language that must be included in every letter sent to women after a mammogram determines they have dense breast tissue, telling them they may benefit from supplemental screenings because dense tissue makes it harder to detect cancer.
Under the new law, which took effect immediately, the notification will instead use the language mandated by the Federal Drug Administration National Reporting Standard for breast density.
“It’s important that all people get the proper screenings to detect cancer. For that reason, women with dense breast tissue should receive one consistent message about getting further screenings. The federal notification requirement is regularly updated and is based on current medical best practices. Adopting it as Rhode Island’s standard ensures that women are receiving the most current advice about what to do following a finding of dense breast tissue during their mammogram,” said Representative Kislak (D-Dist. 4, Providence).
The previous language requirement took effect in 2014, and was last updated in 2021. Directing providers to follow the federal standard instead of mandating specific language will eliminate the risk that Rhode Island’s notification requirements will become outdated, as well as the need for continual changes to the law. It will also prevent confusion for people who may cross state lines for testing, if Rhode Island’s requirements differ from those in surrounding states.
Said Sen. Bridget Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, South Kingstown), “The federal standards about dense breast notification letters has changed many times, and each time, Rhode Island has had to change this law to keep up with it. With this update, our law will always ensure that the letters Rhode Islanders are receiving provide up-to-date recommendations. It matters that the information provided in that letter is accurate and provides the best current advice about what to do next.”
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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