The Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992. History and philosophy.

The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) of 1992 established a precedent in the practice of mammography by creating federal quality standards for all parts of the mammography system. Heralded by some as crucial so all US women can reap the full benefits of early detection of breast cancer, MQSA implementation was delegated to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 2, 1993. In this article the major historical forces that surrounded MQSA's enactment as well as the FDA's philosophy on regulation development, inspections, and compliance under MQSA is summarized.