SD passes dense breast notification law

South Dakota has become the 37th state to mandate that women be told of their dense breast condition and the associated risks.

The bill (HB 1124) was signed into law on March 5 by Gov. Kristi Noem and goes into effect on July 1.

South Dakota State Rep. Taffy Howard introduced the legislation due to the inconsistencies in density notification across the state and the lack of information about the risks associated with dense breast tissue.

South Dakota's state law follows the February 15 passage of federal legislation directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to develop reporting language to ensure that mammography reports and summaries received by patients and their providers include appropriate information about breast density.