The mammography quality standards act: benefits and burdens.

The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) took the voluntary peer review process of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Mammography Accreditation Program (MAP) and used it for the foundation of a stringent set of federal regulations. By mandating accreditation, certification, and inspection for all providers, the legislative objective was to assure American women that they have the equal opportunity for quality breast cancer screening no matter where they reside. However, as with any government regulation there is an inherent cost to the regulated community. This article will address the need for regulation, the positive impact and the additional burdens that have resulted.