HCS SCS SB 391 -- PAIN MANAGEMENT

SPONSOR:  Shields (Portwood)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Senior
Security by a vote of 16 to 0.

This substitute establishes the Missouri State Advisory Council
on Pain and Symptom Management.  The council will consist of 19
members, who will be appointed by February 1, 2004.  The
council's duties will include:

(1)  Holding public hearings to gather information relating to
pain management;

(2)  Making recommendations on acute and chronic pain management
practices;

(3)  Analyzing statutes, rules, and regulations relating to pain
management;

(4)  Studying the use of alternative therapies and any sanctions
imposed;

(5)  Examining the needs of adults, children, the terminally ill,
and minorities that have acute and chronic pain;

(6)  Reviewing the pain management education materials provided
by professional licensing boards;

(7)  Making recommendations to health care professionals for
integrating pain management into their practices and
recommendations regarding continuing education requirements for
pain management;

(8)  Reviewing guidelines issued by the U. S. Department of
Health and Human Services; and

(9)  Preparing an annual report to deliver to the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, President Pro Tem of the Senate, and
Governor by February 1 of each year.

Members of the council will serve without compensation but may be
reimbursed for any expenses incurred, subject to appropriation.
The Department of Health and Senior Services will provide
existing personnel to staff the council.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of
$8,280 in FY 2004, $16,560 in FY 2005, and $16,560 in FY 2006.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that pain management is a critical
issue for many Missourians.  The majority of cancer patients
experience uncontrolled pain at some point in the course of their
illness, and proper pain management could prevent some terminally
ill patients from considering suicide.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Shields; Representative
Guest; Missouri State Chiropractors Association; American Cancer
Society; Missouri Catholic Conference; and Johnson & Johnson.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Mark Pioli, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated July 25, 2003 at 10:13 am