Henda's Law

Henda’s Law The legislation requires that a certified mammography facility approved by the FDA or a certification agency approved by the FDA, shall upon completion of the mammogram provide to the patient information that contains the following:

“If your mammogram demonstrates that you have dense breast tissue, which could hide abnormalities, and you have other risk factors for breast cancer that have been identified, you might benefit from supplemental screening tests that may be suggested by your ordering physician. Dense breast tissue, in and of itself, is a relatively common condition. Therefore, this information is not provided to cause undue concern, but rather to raise your awareness and to promote discussion with your physician regarding the presence of other risk factors, in addition to dense breast tissue. A report of your mammogram results will be sent to you and your physician. You should contact your physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding this report.”  

The law was named after Henda Salmeron, a breast cancer survivor and an activist since 2009, who helped draft Henda’s Law. She lobbied to change the standard of care for women with dense breast tissue through the Texas House Bill -2102 Henda's Law requiring every mammography provider to specifically notify women that they have DENSE breast tissue and the increased risks associated therewith. Though originally drafted by Texas State Representative, Allen Vaught, the bill was officially authored by Representatives Kenneth Sheets and Anna Hernandez Luna. Governor Rick Perry signed Henda’s Law, HB2102, on June 17, 2011. It took effect on Sept 1, 2011.