1998 MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act) final rule released. American College of Radiology.

In October 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the final regulations for implementing the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). Briefly, the final rule establishes experience requirements for medical physicists and radiologic technologists and clarifies equipment standards. The Interim Rules, issued in late 1993 and amended in 1994, now apply. Final regulations become effective April 1999, with certain equipment regulations becoming effective in October 2002. Changes in experience and continuing education requirements for medical physicists and radiologic technologists parallel requirements in the interim rule. The FDA shifted the majority of quality assurance requirements for equipment to the quality assurance section of the regulations, and will treat them as performance standards. Under the final rule, each facility is required to have a system to ensure that mammogram exam results are communicated to patients in a timely manner. Under the interim regulations, mammography facility personnel must continue to participate in medical education programs in mammography to acquire five CME/CEU per year.