According to the recent Institute of Medicine Report on Pain, 100 million Americans suffer from pain. Treatment of pain costs the United States more than half a trillion dollars per year. Pain is one of the most common reasons people consult a physician. Yet it frequently is inappropriately treated.
In the last several years, health-policymakers, health professionals, regulators, and the public have become increasingly interested in the provision of better pain therapy and in the reduction of drug diversion and addiction. However, there is currently no nationally accepted consensus for the treatment of chronic pain not due to cancer. Moreover, the economic and social costs of chronic pain are substantial.
Federal and State laws and policies
In the last several years, health-policymakers, health professionals, regulators, and the public have become increasingly interested in the provision of better pain therapy and in the reduction of drug diversion and addiction. However, there is currently no nationally accepted consensus for the treatment of chronic pain not due to cancer. Moreover, the economic and social costs of chronic pain are substantial.
Federal and State laws and policies