CA SB1538

Requires health facilities performing mammography examinations to include a breast density notice in the written report summary sent to patients if they are categorized as having heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System.

The prescribed notice must inform patients that dense breast tissue is common but can make mammogram evaluation harder and may be associated with increased breast cancer risk, and encourages discussion with their physician about screening options.

Becomes operative on April 1, 2013 and remains in effect only until January 1, 2019, when the section is repealed unless extended by later-enacted legislation.

Specifies that the notice requirement does not create liability for non-compliance prior to April 1, 2013, does not establish a duty of care beyond providing the notice, and must remain consistent with federal Mammography Quality Standards Act requirements.