New Law Requires Surgeons Performing Mastectomies in a Hospital to Follow Specific Guidance and Referral Standards

On December 19, 2013, Ohio Governor Kasich signed a new law requiring a surgeon who will perform a mastectomy in a hospital (or a person designated by the surgeon) to guide the patient through provided or referred services in a manner that is consistent with the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers of the American College of Surgeons (NAPBC) standards.

In addition, if a surgeon who is to perform a mastectomy considers breast reconstruction appropriate for the patient, the law requires the surgeon (or a person designated by the surgeon) to offer the patient a preoperative referral to a reconstructive or plastic surgeon in accordance with the NAPBC standards.

This new law, passed as House Bill 147, will be enacted in section 4731.73 of the Ohio Revised Code and will be effective March 19, 2014.