The bill, H.B. No. 2659, amends Section 86.013(a) of the Health and Safety Code to enhance the information provided in mammography reports regarding breast density. It mandates that certified mammography facilities comply with federal and state reporting requirements and provide specific information to patients based on their breast density. For patients with non-dense breast tissue, the report must include a statement explaining that dense tissue can make it harder to detect breast cancer and raises the risk of developing the disease. Conversely, for patients with dense breast tissue, the report must inform them of the implications of their density and suggest that additional imaging tests may be beneficial.

The bill also removes previous language that could have caused confusion or concern regarding dense breast tissue. Specifically, it eliminates statements that suggested dense breast tissue could hide abnormalities and that patients might benefit from supplemental screening tests based solely on their density. Instead, the revised language aims to promote informed discussions between patients and their healthcare providers about breast density and associated risks. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 86.013 (Health and Safety Code 86)