Through its continued commitment to assist state medical boards in protecting the public and improving the quality of health care in the United States, the Federation undertook an initiative to develop model guidelines for state medical boards and other health care regulatory agencies for use in regulating the prescribing of controlled substances, such as Opioids, in the management of Chronic Cancer and Non-Cancer Pain. This initiative focuses on encouraging the medical community to adopt consistent standards, promoting the public health by facilitating the provision of adequate and effective Pain control and educating the medical community on treating Chronic Pain within the bounds of professional practice. The Federation believes adoption of guidelines based on this model will protect legitimate medical uses of controlled substances while preventing drug diversion and eliminating inappropriate prescribing practices.
		* Since the Federation of State Medical Boards has such a widespread influence on the way in which doctors in your respective state approach the dispensing of Pain Medication, its the publics right to see how their guidelines effect you or a family member who may be suffering from Chronic Pain.
		* (The Guidelines were adopted by the delegates of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the U.S. in May of 1998)
		The (name of board) recognizes that principles of quality medical practice dictate that the people of the State (name of state) have access to appropriate and effective Pain relief. The appropriate application of up-to-date knowledge and treatment modalities can serve to improve the quality of life for those patients who suffer from Pain as well as reduce the morbidity and costs associated with untreated or inappropriately treated Pain. The Board encourages physicians toiew effective Pain Management as a part of quality medical for patients with Pain, Acute or Chronic, and it is especially important for patients who experience Pain as a result of Terminal Illness. All physicians should become knowledgeable about effective methods of Pain Treatment as well as statutory requirements for prescribing controlled substances. Inadequate Pain Relief may result from a physicians lack of knowledge about Pain Management or an inadequate understanding of addiction. Fears of investigation or sanction by Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies may result in appropriate or inadequate treatment of Chronic Pain Patients. Accordingly, these guidelines have been developed to clarify the Boards position on Pain Control, specifically as related to the use of controlled substances, to alleviate physician uncertainty and to encourage better Pain Management. The Board recognizes that controlled substances, including Opioid Analgesics, may be essential in the treatment of Acute Pain due to Trauma or Surgery and Chronic Pain, whether due to Cancer or Non-Cancer origins. Pain should be assessed and treated promptly and the quantity and frequency of doses should be adjusted according to the intensity and duration of the Pain. Physicians should recognize that tolerance and physical dependence are normal consequences of sustained use of Opioid Analgesics and are not synonymous with Addiction. The (name of Board) is obligated under the laws of the State of (name of State) to protect the public and safety. The Board recognizes that inappropriate prescribing of controlled substances, including Opioid Analgesics, may lead to drug diversion and abuse by individuals who seek them for other than legitimate medical use. Physicians should be diligent in preventing the diversion of drugs for illegitimate purposes.
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