Resolve, Directing Review of Strategies To Improve Communication between Patients and Physicians

Sec. 1. Review and report. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, referred to in this section as "the center," in conjunction with the Maine Medical Association, shall convene a work group to review and report on strategies to improve the dialogue between patients and physicians regarding breast density and breast imaging options. The center shall invite the participation in the work group of representatives of the Maine Osteopathic Association, the Maine Radiological Society, the Density Education National Survivors' Efforts, the Maine Breast Nurse Network, Spectrum Medical Group, a small independent radiographic provider, other radiographic practice groups and hospital-employed radiologists, the Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, the Maine Cancer Consortium, Are You Dense, Inc., the Maine Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The work group shall review breast imaging standards, the federal Mammography Quality Standards Act and breast imaging results protocols and recommend strategies to improve the dialogue between patients and physicians regarding breast density and breast imaging options. The work group shall convene no later than September 1, 2012, and the center shall submit a report with recommendations of the work group by December 7, 2012 to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters. The center shall perform the work required by this resolve within existing resources.