WASHINGTON, DC--On Tuesday, April 29, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-MI) introduced H.R. 1863, the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2003 in the House of Representatives. According to the American Pain Foundation (APF), "…this bill is an exceptional step toward gaining federal recognition of the importance of pain as a critical and unanswered health care problem in our nation."

In a letter dated May 1st, 2003 from Eddie Rivas, Director of Government Affairs of the APF cautioned: "However, we still have plenty to do before this bill becomes law, not the least of which is getting similar legislation introduced in the Senate."

MAGNUM fully endorses Mr. Rivas' efforts, and throws it support to the goals of H.R. 1863 and the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2003. Migraineurs and pain sufferers all over the nation will benefit from Congressman Rogers' caring attention to see a better quality of life for those Americans fighting debilitating pain.

Mr. Rivas goes on to point out, "HR 1863 is the first comprehensive legislation with a multidisciplinary approach. It was introduced in response to the Congressionally declared Decade of Pain Research, which started in January 2001. The fact that this bill addresses research, professional education and training, public awareness, treatment in specific federal heath care plans, and seeks White House support for pain care lays a strong foundation for confronting this crisis that costs our economy between $80 and $100 billion each year."

MAGNUM is pleased to see our government acknowledge the terrible burden pain diseases. In the summer of 2001 we saw President Bush issued the first ever Migraine disease policy letter, which was read by world renowned Migraine and headache epidemiologist, Dr. Richard Lipton, to one of the largest medical gathering of head-pain doctors. Sadly due to the national pain of the attacks on Washington, DC and New York this major advance for pain patients saw media coverage rightfully overlooked. But it does show us that pain NGO’s are making strides forward on the serious nature of chronic pain issues and the quality of life for pain sufferers.

To that fact, we can see that over the past eighteen months, APF has been working collaboratively with the Pain Care Coalition (PCC) to develop a comprehensive pain care bill. According to sources, Representative Rogers says the bill incorporates many of our positions, although is not as comprehensive as our combined legislative ideas. This bill also reflects many of the suggestions we have collected over time from conversations with numerous groups representing health care providers, consumers, disease-specific organizations and others. APF wishes to thank the PCC for their early efforts in drafting this legislation.

MAGNUM has spoken to Representative Rogers’ Capitol Hill office, and has learned that the Congressman is now in the process of gathering support from his colleagues for the bill and is looking for cosponsors of the legislation.

According to the American Headache Society, national recognized pain advocate Dr. Joel Saper, Director of the MHNI of Ann Arbor, Michigan, former Chair of the Pain Care Coalition noted, "Over the years, many advocates within the pain care community have worked tirelessly on behalf of our 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. We applaud Congressman Rogers for his important leadership in this area."

In addition, we have posted APF talking points for possible conversations about pain with media, Congressional offices, or others to get the word out.

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As always, MAGNUM continues to promote improved access to pain treatment. Legislative Director, Terri Miller Burchfield noted, "The Director and I have had an opportunity to meet with the health staffs of Senators Dodd and Clinton on Migraine and pain issues this month. We are very impressed with the access and concern both Senate offices afford us. We believe this illustrates Capitol Hill's increased understanding of pain issues and the impact they have on American people." Michael John Coleman, Executive Director, added that MAGNUM will continue to work with Senators Warner and Allen on access to pain care and noted that this Pain Policy Act has offered an excellent opportunity for dialogue on pain health issues with members of the Senate.

Additional Resources:

• How to contact our members of the House and our Senators
• Sample letter provided by the American Pain Foundation
• Full text of H.R. 1863, The National Pain Care Policy Act of 2003
• "Talking points" for possible possible use conversations about pain with media, Congressional offices, family, friends, and others.