MS HB126

State Department of Health must develop and distribute a standardized written summary to physicians explaining alternative breast cancer treatments (hormonal, radiological, chemotherapeutic, or surgical), breast reconstruction options including implants and their risks, and coverage information under state law.

Physicians must provide the standardized summary to each patient upon or shortly after a breast cancer diagnosis; hospitals performing mastectomies, lymph node dissections, or lumpectomies must also provide the information.

Physicians issuing mammography reports showing dense breast tissue must notify patients that dense tissue is common but may make cancer detection harder on mammograms and may increase breast cancer risk, and recommend discussing screening options with their doctor.

The bill does not create a cause of action for lack of informed consent or establish new standards of care for physicians.

The act takes effect July 1, 2016.