Final MQSA provisions go into effect

After seven years of phased-in implementation, the final provision of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) went into effect April 28. The last rule to become law addresses patients’ rights to obtain documentation of test results, ensuring that women who have mammograms will be directly notified in writing. The provision was added to the final regulations that implement MQSA, and reflects updates on the law made by the Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Act of 1998. The FDA estimates that most of the 10,000 U.S. mammography facilities have already met MQSA standards and are certified to perform mammography exams.