MO HB1859

Requires attending physicians to advise patients of the advantages, disadvantages, and risks (including cancer) associated with breast implantation prior to the operation.

Physicians must provide patients with a standardized written summary prepared by the Department of Health and Senior Services containing general information on breast implantation and disclosure of potential dangers and side effects.

Patients must receive the standardized written summary at least five days before the breast implantation operation and must sign an acknowledgment form confirming receipt.

Requires the Department of Health and Senior Services to make the standardized written summary available to all hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices performing breast implantation by January 1, 2000.

The physician's failure to provide the summary is excused if the Department of Health and Senior Services fails to make the summary available, which serves as an affirmative defense in legal actions.