I
115th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4122
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 25, 2017
Ms. DeLauro (for herself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Comstock, Ms. Esty of Connecticut, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. DeFazio, and Ms. Clarke of New York) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
A BILL
To require breast density reporting to physicians and patients by facilities that perform mammograms, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act of 2017
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Findings
The Congress finds as follows:
The National Cancer Institute estimates that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop a cancer of the breast in their lifetime.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death among Hispanic women, and the number two cause of cancer death among White, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.
Individuals receiving mammograms are not currently required to receive medical summaries or reports from their mammogram providers which address breast density or its correlation to masking the presence of breast cancer on mammograms, despite the fact that the radiologist interpreting the mammogram makes an assessment of the patient’s breast density.
Breast density reporting by facilities that perform mammograms to physicians and patients
In general
Clause (ii) of section 354(f)(1)(G) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 263b(f)(1)(G)) is amended—
in each of subclauses (III) and (IV), by striking and
at the end; and
by adding at the end the following:
the report under subclause (I) and the summary under subclause (IV) shall include information about breast density, as specified by the Secretary based upon—
current scientific knowledge;
technological advances; or
other updated medical procedures where the use of such screening developments is consistent with the practice of medical experts in the field;
the summary under subclause (IV) shall convey the effect of breast density in masking the presence of breast cancer on mammography, using the provider’s qualitative assessment of the patient’s breast density; and
the summary under subclause (IV) shall include language, developed by the Secretary in consultation with leading experts and leading cancer organizations, communicating that individuals with dense breasts should talk with their health care providers about—
any questions or concerns regarding the summary; and
whether the individuals would benefit from additional tests; and
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Rule of construction
This section and the amendments made by this section shall not be construed to alter in any way Federal requirements relating to financial obligations of any person in connection with health insurance.
Enhancing research relating to breast density
Title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 354 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 263b) the following:
Enhancing research relating to breast density
The Secretary shall expand and intensify the programs and activities of the Department of Health and Human Services for conducting or supporting—
applied research on breast density;
research on the cost-effectiveness, effectiveness, and feasibility of reimbursement models for supplemental imaging relating to breast density; and
research in support of clinical guidelines and best practices concerning use of mammograms and supplemental screening for women with dense breasts.
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