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FDA is proposing to amend its regulations governing mammography. The amendments would update the regulations issued under the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA). FDA is taking this action to address changes in mammography technology and mammography processes that have occurred since the regulations were published in 1997 and to address breast density reporting to patient and health care providers.

Statement of Need:

FDA is   proposing to update the mammography regulations that were issued under the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992 (MQSA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).  FDA is taking this action to address changes in mammography technology and mammography processes, such as breast density reporting, that have occurred since the regulations were published in 1997.  

FDA is also proposing updates to modernize the regulations by incorporating current science and mammography best practices.  These updates are intended to improve the delivery of mammography services.

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Mammography is an X-ray imaging examination device that is regulated under the authority of the FD&C Act.  FDA is proposing these amendments to the mammography regulations (set forth in 21 CFR part 900) under section 354 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 263b), and sections 519, 537, and 704(e) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 360i, 360nn, and 374(e)).

Alternatives:

The Agency will consider different options so that the health benefits to patients are maximized and the economic burdens to mammography facilities are minimized.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

The primary public health benefits of the rule will come from the potential for earlier breast cancer detection, improved morbidity and mortality, resulting in reductions in cancer treatment costs.  The primary costs of the rule will come from industry labor costs and costs associated with supplemental testing and biopsies.

Risks:

If a final regulation does not publish, the potential reduction in fatalities and earlier breast cancer detection, resulting in reduction in cancer treatment costs, will not materialize to the detriment of public health