Mammography Standards The Mammography Quality Standards Re-authorization Act of 1998 (H.R. 4382) was signed into law in October, extending the program through fiscal year 2002. New requirements became effective April 28, 1999. Advocacy groups and the American College of Radiology supported these changes. In 1999, all mammography facilities must send reports written in lay person’s terms to all patients receiving mammography services. For the first time, patients will receive direct notification of mammogram test results in terms they can understand.
							The re-authorization of MQSA adds the following provisions: • Clarifies the responsibility of the mammogram facility to retain mammogram records so that women have the ability to obtain the original. • Mandates direct written notification to all patients of their exam results in lay language. • Permits FDA to conduct a limited demonstration project to determine the feasibility of inspecting mammography centers of excellence on a less than annual basis. • Requires that facilities inquire about the presence of implants before examination so as to select views that will maximize visualization of breast tissue. • Requires technologists to be trained in performing mammography on patients with breast implants. Every certified mammography facility is required to undergo an annual inspection, even those not currently performing mammography. A certified facility must: • Have an annual survey conducted by a qualified medical physicist. • Undergo periodic audits and reviews by its accreditation body. • Permit an annual MQSA inspection of its equipment and records. • Pay an inspection fee and correct all deficiencies found during inspections.
						All certified mammography facilities should display their certificate of accreditation. For more information call the Facility Hotline: 1-800-838-7715 or visit.
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