BILL REQ. #:  S-3347.1 

Read first time 01/15/14.   Referred to Committee on Health Care .

     AN ACT Relating to communication of mammographic breast density information to patients; and adding a new section to chapter 70.54 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 70.54 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (a) "Dense breast tissue" means heterogeneously dense or extremely dense tissue as defined in nationally recognized guidelines or systems for breast imaging reporting of mammography screening, including the breast imaging reporting and data system of the American college of radiology, as they exist on the effective date of this section.
     (b) "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW.
     (2) If a physician has determined, after a mammogram is performed, that a patient has dense breast tissue, the facility where the mammogram was performed shall provide the following notice to the patient:

     "Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results of your mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This information about the results of your mammogram is given to you to raise your awareness and to inform your conversations with your doctor. Together, you can decide which screening options are right for you. A report of your results was sent to your physician."