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Pennsylvania State Senate
04/19/2024 04:16 PM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20230&cosponId=39462
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: January 23, 2023 04:14 PM
From: Senator Judy Ward
To: All Senate members
Subject: Revision to Patient Test Result Information Act
 
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that amends Act 112 of 2018, the Patient Test Result Information Act. Act 112 requires imaging entities to directly notify the patient if the test results indicate a “significant abnormality.” While there were obviously good intentions behind the act, there have been conflicting interpretations of the law's applicability, resulting in the need for clarifications.
 
Because the imaging interpreter often does not know the patient or patient’s health history, and the criteria for “significant abnormality” are vague, some doctors have understandably chosen a safe route and have embraced a low threshold to initiate the “significant findings” process. This involves sending a fairly ominous letter to the patient. Letters have been sent indicating that the patient’s test results showed “significant abnormalities,” when that patient's test really did not indicate a clinical change for the patient. Of course, this leads to unintended consequences of undue patient anxiety and stress – and often further testing. My legislation will address this.  
 
My legislation will streamline and clarify the law to:
  • Remove the definition of “significant abnormality” AND
  • Require diagnostic imaging entities to provide patients with written notice at the time of any imaging service. The notice shall state that the results of the test(s) will be sent to the ordering health care practitioner. If the ordering practitioner doesn’t reach out within 21 days or the electronic health records haven’t been updated, it is recommended that the patient follow-up with the practitioner to discuss the results.
 
The goal is to prevent patients from experiencing undue anxiety and undergoing additional testing. The bill will also improve the patients’ understanding of potential health issues after their doctor can appropriately interpret and explain the test results.

This proposal is supported by a coalition of stakeholder organizations, including the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Pennsylvania Radiological Society, and the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.

Please join me in supporting this critical update for Pennsylvania’s patients. If you have questions regarding this legislation, please reach out to Greg Beckenbaugh in my office at 717-787-5490 or gbeckenbaug@pasen.gov.
 
 


Introduced as SB545