The American Academy of Pain Medicine

Military Pain Care Act, HR 5465 passed by House!

The Military Pain Care Act passed the House. Moves to the Senate as part of the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act.

See Press Release from Rep. Loebsack

New Military Pain Care Act HR 5465 Supports Comprehensive Care & Establishes Pain As Specialty
The Military Pain Care Act of 2008 was introduced on February 14th in the House of Representatives by Rep. David Loebsack (D-IA). The bill requires the Department of Defense to implement a pain care initiative to administer comprehensive pain care for the many active and retired military personnel being saved in battle who will confront chronic or acute pain.

See Bill Summary

This initiative marks a successful collaborative effort by AAPM and our colleagues on the Pain Care Coalition. It is also noteworthy, because it establishes pain as specialty, and it validates the credentials of the American Board of Pain Medicine (ABPM). A statement on Page 8 of the bill states, ‘‘(v) is directed by one or more physicians credentialed in pain management (or, in appropriate cases, dentistry) by a board or boards approved by the Secretary, which shall include the American Board of Pain Medicine and boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties."

Read the Entire Bill

On September 24, the House passed the Senate's version of the defense appropriations bill (S 3001), which includes an important pain care initiative titled the "Pain Care Initiative in Military Health Care Facilities."  Because the House amended S 3001, it went back to the Senate for a final vote.  On September 27, the Senate passed S 3001.  President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law this week.

Read the House Report