About Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA)
Congress enacted MQSA to ensure that all women have access to quality mammography for the detection of breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. In the fall of 2004, Congress reauthorized MQSA, extending the program to 2007. The Act refers to the MQSA as amended by the Mammography Quality Standards Reauthorization Acts of 1998 and 2004 (MQSRA).
Congress charged FDA with developing and implementing MQSA regulations. Interim regulations, issued in December 1993, became effective in February 1994. In 1995, FDA began enforcing MQSA when it initiated an inspection program. On October 28, 1997, FDA issued more comprehensive final regulations, which became effective on April 28, 1999. Three amendments to the regulations have been published since they were first issued. These amendments have been incorporated in the amended final regulations.
Information on Approved Alternative Requirements is also available.
The State of New Mexico under contract to the Food and Drug administration inspects all private mammography screening and diagnostic facilities which do no fall under federal authority.
Our State MQSA Certified Inspectors can be reached for questions related to facilities and locations below:
New Mexico has some forty three Mammography Certified facilities, five fall under federal authority.
A direct link to FDA mammography site is below: