Advocacy

Pain Policy Monitor

National Pain Care Policy Act

A Summary of the Provisions of HR 1020

The National Pain Care Policy Act (HR 1020) is the first comprehensive, proactive pain care legislation that has been introduced in Congress. Over the years, many advocates within the pain care community have worked tirelessly on behalf of pain patients for the introduction of this kind of legislation. Congress has already declared the ten-year period of 2000 through 2010 as the Decade of Pain Control and Research, and this legislation will help cement that important commitment.

Pain has a significant impact upon American society and our health care system. 45% of Americans will seek care or treatment for persistent pain at some point in their lives. Pain is the most common reason Americans seek medical care. 17% of Americans experience some form of arthritis pain, and 15% experience frequent back pain. Each year, it is estimated that some 25 million doctor visits result from back pain alone.

Studies show that pain is the leading cause of lost productivity in the employed population, costing employers almost $80 billion annually. Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability, and thus also imposes a tremendous cost on the American economy, in addition to the personal suffering of those afflicted on a long term basis.

The following is a summary of provisions of H.R. 1020:

  • Directs the President to convene a White House Conference on Pain Care to identify barriers to appropriate pain care.
  • Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the National Center for Pain and Palliative Care Research. Establishes an advisory council for the Center.
  • Requires the Director of NIH to establish at least six regional pain research centers.
  • Requires the Director of Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to develop and advance the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of pain and palliative care. Permits the Secretary to award grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to public and private entities to educate and train health care professionals in pain and palliative care.
  • Directs the Secretary to implement a national campaign to inform the public on responsible pain management, related symptom management, and palliative care.
  • Requires the Secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services to develop and implement a pain care palliative initiative in all health care facilities of the uniformed services.
  • Amends Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare) to require Medicare Advantage organizations to meet certain pain care standards. Requires TRICARE (a Department of Defense managed health care program) to meet such pain care standards.
  • Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a pain care initiative in all health care facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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