Senate Committee Supports Breast Cancer Screening Bill

COLUMBUS - State Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) today announced that her legislation to increase breast cancer screening accessibility and early detection to patients was favorably reported by the Ohio Senate Health Committee. 

“For many months, Representative Denson and I have worked to get this bill passed. House Bill 371 is must-have legislation that will save the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of Ohioans,” said Schmidt. “I am thankful to Chairman Huffman for bringing this bill to a vote and thankful to all of the Committee for its support. We will continue to work with the Senate to get this bill to Governor’s desk. Ohioan’s cannot wait.”

Under the bill, H.B. 371 will improve the patient notification letter informing women of dense breasts, allow women of any age or risk factor to receive a yearly mammogram, define mammogram with the inclusion of tomosynthesis, and finally, expand coverage for supplemental breast cancer screenings for women with dense breasts or with a high-risk factor. 

Provisions of the bill make a point to include the best technology available to doctors when screening for the disease. By including tomosynthese in the definition of a mammogram, women will have access to a 3-D image of their screening. Chest MRIs and ultrasounds would also be more accessible for women in need of a supplemental screening. 

Schmidt’s efforts to improve breast cancer screenings have long been a part of career as an elected official. This most recent push with her joint sponsor State Representative Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) began in September of 2021. 

H.B. 371 now awaits a full Senate vote.