Legislative Update February 2017

The early days of the new Congress, the Administration, and the many reconvening State Legislature have seen a great deal of activity. As we all know the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has and will continue to receive a great deal of attention. We don't exactly know what reform, repeal or replace looks like, but we do know that no matter what happens, ASPMN® will engage those working on it to make our voice heard. We will watch closely to see if any pieces of the ACA that are of importance to us will change, or if any attempts to remove those important pieces take place.

Efforts are underway, and we are a part of them, to seek adequate funding for, and implementation of the National Pain Strategy. This important report makes recommendations for improving overall pain care in America in six key areas: population research; prevention and care; disparities; service delivery and payment; professional education and training; and public education and communication. It in some ways has taken a backseat to the CDC Guidelines even though it was released first. We will work to see that the goal of it is achieved, and when implemented those actions truly do improve overall pain care.

The difficulties patients with pain are having when trying to receive their medications and proper pain management continues, and for some it is increasing. Federal and State governments continue to make decisions without the research and data necessary to do so. Yet they continue. They are in many ways allowing themselves to practice medicine without a license, or even having the necessary training and education. They certainly would not allow anyone else to do that. Additionally, they continue to focus on flawed or region specific data to draw conclusions to make nationwide determinations. This is one of our major hurdles to overcome.

There are many meetings taking place but of importance in the near future is this one - the FDA will hold a meeting of their Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee and the Anesthetic and Analgesic Drug Product Advisory Committee, March 13-14 in the Washington, D.C. area. If you are able to attend, please let me know. ASPMN® will attend, and we have requested time to briefly speak during the open public comment section of the meeting on the morning of March 14. You can see more details about the meeting here: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FDA-2017-N-0067-0001

I believe that this and the coming years will be as active as ever in healthcare. We have and will continue to be strong advocates for nursing vital role in pain management.