Senate Bills - 108th Congress

S. 1278—Conquering Pain Act

On June 18, 2003, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced S. 1278, the Conquering Pain Act of 2003. This legislation contains broad provisions related to the development of guidelines for the treatment of pain and Internet access to them by providers, quality improvement education projects, pain coverage quality evaluation and information, and family support networks in and insurance coverage of pain and symptom management. NIH-related provisions would require the Secretary of HHS, acting through the Director of NIH, to convene a national conference to discuss the translation of pain research results into health services delivery, including mental health services to people experiencing chronic pain and those needing end-of-life care. The Secretary would be required to use appropriated but unobligated Departmental funds for this conference. S. 1278 was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. This legislation is a companion measure to H.R. 2507, introduced by Representative Darlene Hooley (D-OR) on June 18.

Legislative Update (December 2003): Pain Research