Coalition Aims to Improve Pain Management in Pennsylvania
For nearly a decade, Pennsylvania has consistently scored a C+ in a national study of state pain policies. A group of Pennsylvania physicians and patient advocacy organizations have come together to work to improve this grade.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society has joined more than 70 Pennsylvania physician and patient advocacy representatives from more than 54 organizations to create the Pennsylvania Pain Coalition, which aims to improve Pennsylvania’s pain policies and provide education about appropriate pain management and the cost of uncontrolled pain to society.
Specifically, the pain coalition is working to:
- Identify and address the needs of patients with acute, chronic, and end of life pain
- Provide resources and expertise to policymakers on issues related to pain
- Address access issues
- Improve public awareness and education
- Improve health care provider education
The coalition is pursuing a resolution in the state General Assembly asking for the establishment of a legislative task force on pain management and an advisory committee of expert clinicians, patient advocacy groups, and other health-related organizations.
House Resolution 123 was introduced by Rep. Jennifer L. Mann (D-Lehigh) and Senate Resolution 37 was introduced by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh).
The task force and advisory committee will study the need for change to pain policy and education, as well as the need to increase community awareness of pain therapies, realities of treatment, and how pain can impact a patient’s life when not appropriately treated.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society also has created the pain work group, composed of six Medical Society physician members, to work closely with Medical Society lobbyists and staff to ensure the coalition focuses on improving policies that impact physicians and their patients.
The work group meets prior to each coalition meeting to identify any relevant issues concerning new policies, pending legislation, or other concerns impacting patient care.
Last Updated: 9/15/2009