The National Pain Foundation supports public policy initiatives and legislation that promote improved access to and improved quality of care for the 75 million Americans living with pain. We are committed to raising awareness of the issues surrounding the serious public health issue of pain and supporting legislation and policy that improves the lives of people living with pain.
Current Issues
Joint Position Statement: Updated ACOEM Chronic Pain and Low Back Guidelines
The National Pain Foundation has endorsed this joint position statement that addresses a number of flaws in the clinical guidelines developed and promoted by the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). These guidelines are currently being used or considered by some state workers' compensation programs as coverage criteria for a range of pain-related tests, therapies and interventions.
The National Pain Foundation, along with other organizations representing patient advocates and physician specialists in pain medicine, interventional pain, spinal pain and neuromodulation treatments, is deeply concerned with ACOEM's guideline development process and possible adoption by governments and payers.
Read the Joint Position Statement: Updated ACOEM Chronic Pain and Low Back Guidelines
Military Pain Care Act - HR 5465
The Military Pain Care Act of 2008 was introduced on Feb. 14th, 2008, in the House of Representatives by Rep. David Loebsack (D-IA). The bill requires the Department of Defense to implement a pain care initiative to administer comprehensive pain care for the many active and retired military personnel who will confront chronic or acute pain resulting from injuries sustained during combat. HR 5465 seeks to put together a plan to evaluate and treat pain in a comprehensive and qualified manner for as long as injured soldiers may need.
On May 22, 2008, the House of Representatives passed their version of the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act (HR 5658), which includes wording from the Military Pain Care Act (HR 5456).
Read the press release from Rep. Loebsack
Check the current status of the bill
Older Pain and Policy Issues
For more information on pain and public policy, visit the following links:
