Patients who suffer from acute or chronic pain have a right to appropriate and effective pain relief, according to a policy document recently adopted by the State Board of Medical Examiners of South Carolina. The policy document, Guidelines for the Use of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Pain, is designed to assist physicians in improving public access to appropriate and effective pain relief.

One reason often cited for lack of adequate pain treatment is that physicians fear investigation or sanction by state medical boards for prescribing large doses of opioids in treating chronic pain. According to James R. Winn, M.D., executive vice president for the Federation of State Medical Boards, "guidelines such as those developed by the Federation will help to alleviate this perception and ultimately reduce unnecessary patient suffering."

The guidelines, developed in 1998 by the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, have received widespread support from organizations such as the National Association of State Controlled Substance Agencies, the American Academy of Pain Medicine, and the American Pain Society.  To develop the model guidelines, the Federation consulted with a work group comprised of experts in the field of pain management and representatives from the medical regulatory community.

All physicians should become knowledgeable about effective methods of pain treatment and, as such, are strongly encouraged to read the Board’s Guidelines for the Use of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Pain. To receive a free copy of the guidelines, please visit our web site at www.values.musc.edu. Physicians are referred to the Physicians Manual of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for specific rules governing controlled substances as well as applicable state regulations.

Editor's Note:  For a more complete analysis and copy of the guidelines, please visit our website at www.values.musc.edu.  The Institute of Human Values in Health Care at the Medical University of South Carolina is currently working on ways to raise public awareness of a patient’s right to effective pain relief, which includes developing resources physicians may use to educate patients about medical board expectations regarding appropriate pain management. These tools should be available by the end of the year. For more information, contact the program office at (843) 792-5278. Any specific legal or medical questions about the recently adopted model guidelines should be directed to Mr. Aaron Kolozski, JD,  Executive Director, South Carolina State Medical Board at (803) 896-4500.