National Pain Care Policy Act

National Pain Care Policy Act Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives!

Building on the momentum of united efforts and strong support received in 2006, it is the goal to successfully pass a National Pain Care Policy Act in 2007!

Millions of Americans who suffer from pain could soon find relief thanks to legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The National Pain Care Policy Act of 2007 (HR2994) would improve pain care research, education, training, and access. It is the result of months of productive, collaborative work among many partners in the pain community, including the American Pain Foundation. The pain community, along with over 90 organizations including Medtronic, have been instrumental in joining forces to support and advance this important legislation.

Key components of the bill include:

• The authorization of an Institute of Medicine Conference on Pain Care;
• Permanent authorization of the trans-institute Pain Consortium at the National Institutes of Health;
• The creation of a grant program to improve health professionals' understanding and ability to assess and appropriately treat pain; and
• The creation of a national public awareness campaign about pain management, conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, with particular attention to improving access to appropriate pain treatment among underserved populations.

As part of National Pain Awareness Month, representatives from various pain organizations are meeting with congressional representatives in Washington, DC on September 14th to show their support for the National Pain Care Policy Act.

For further information, please visit www.painfoundation.org.