DEA Policy Shift Positive for Pain Treatment
Center for Practical Bioethics continues work toward balanced pain policy
Contact: Lorell R. LaBoube September 27, 2006
(816)221-1100 ext 239
llaboube@practicalbioethics.org
On September 6, the Drug Enforcement Administration published two documents in the Federal Register long awaited by the pain treatment community. One clarified the federal government’s authority to investigate diversion of controlled substances for the treatment of pain; the other amended a previous ruling on a physician’s ability to write prescriptions for controlled substances over the course of a ninety day period.
In addition, DEA Administrator Karen Tandy reaffirmed the agency’s support for a joint statement on pain policy involving 21 health organizations and the DEA in 2001. The Center for Practical Bioethics was one of the 21 organizations involved.
Taken together, these moves represent progress in providing patient access to medications they need to treat their pain.
“We commend the DEA for responding to our concerns about investigating physicians writing multiple prescriptions over a period of time,” says Myra Christopher, Center president and CEO. “This allows people with chronic conditions and those who live in rural areas to have appropriate access to pain medications.”
The Center is working in partnership with the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National Association of Attorney’s General to improve pain policy and foster more common ground between law enforcement, healthcare providers and pain advocates. Research is underway examining both criminal and administrative charges brought against physicians at state and federal levels for diversion of prescription drugs. “We are pleased that the DEA is collaborating with us on this research,” Christopher says.
“The DEA’s action on September 6 represents a positive step,” Christopher says. “The Center will continue to work proactively to address the concerns of physicians, regulators and law enforcement in achieving a balanced pain policy.”
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Founded in 1984, the Center for Practical Bioethics is an independent organization nationally recognized for its work in practical bioethics. More than a think tank, the Center puts theory into action to help people and organizations find real-world solutions to complex issues in health and healthcare.
