WEST HARTFORD, CONN., JANUARY 31, 2024 –
A bipartisan bill introduced today in the House seeks to eliminate gaps in chronic pain care and promote treatment and research advancements for the millions of Americans living with pain.
The Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act was introduced by Rep. Yadira Caraveo, MD (D-CO-08) and Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA).
The legislation would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to analyze and publish population health data on chronic pain. More than 51.6 million Americans live with chronic pain, costing more than $600 billion annually in medical treatments, disability payments, and lost productivity. But the CDC does not regularly collect, analyze, and publish comprehensive population research data on pain like it does for other major diseases. This legislation would change that, making it possible to identify trends, risks, and consequences of pain—informing interventions to improve care, boost patient outcomes, and reduce costs related to pain care.
“We applaud Congresswoman Caraveo and Congressman Nunn for introducing the Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act,” said Cindy Steinberg, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the U.S. Pain Foundation. “Despite the enormous disease burden of chronic pain affecting millions of Americans, we lack comprehensive data like we have for other major diseases. There is a tremendous need for high-quality data to better understand the problem of pain and inform interventions to improve care and patient outcomes.”
Specifically, the Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act would direct the CDC to:
—Use currently-available research data to quantify and summarize the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain
—Identify gaps in currently-available research data and develop standard definitions for population research on chronic pain
—Create a centralized Chronic Pain Information Hub to collect, combine, and summarize available data; maintain summaries of past, current, and planned research; and translate findings to recommendations for clinicians and scientists
The Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act is the House companion to Senate legislation introduced by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). The U.S. Pain Foundation has worked with Senator Casey’s office for more than a year on the bill that was introduced in the U.S. Senate on September 26, 2023. That legislation was added to the SUPPORT Act reauthorization package by Senate HELP in December, 2023 in a bipartisan vote. Through bipartisan efforts at both chambers of Congress, this legislation represents a pivotal opportunity to address critical gaps in chronic pain research and pave the way for improved treatments and outcomes.
As the sole physician representing Colorado in Congress, Congresswoman Caraveo brings invaluable expertise and insight to the forefront of policy discussions. The Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act seeks to centralize critical information and data, empowering clinicians and scientists to delve deeper into the complexities of chronic pain conditions that affect millions of Americans by consolidating existing resources and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.
“As a doctor, I have seen firsthand how limited and unreachable information and data that lets health professionals conduct research on chronic pain is,” Caraveo said in a news release. “Millions of Americans struggle with chronic pain, jeopardizing their ability to live a healthy and active life. On behalf of the many patients with chronic pain conditions, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act to promote advancements in chronic pain research and support our health professionals with the tools they need to treat their patients.”
Nunn added in the release, “Too many Iowans are living with pain that prevents them from completing everyday tasks. This bipartisan legislation will help clinicians develop new treatment options and provide relief to those suffering from chronic pain.”
The U.S. Pain Foundation applauds Reps. Caraveo and Nunn for their leadership and bipartisan collaboration in championing this vital legislation.
“Chronic pain remains an enormous and devastating public health concern, impacting individuals and families across the nation,” said Nicole Hemmenway, CEO of the U.S. Pain Foundation. “After more than a year of working with Senator Casey’s office and advocating for this important legislation, we are one step closer to improved care for people with chronic pain. We commend Representatives Caraveo and Nunn for their dedication to advancing solutions that prioritize the well-being of those living with chronic pain.”
For up-to-date information about how you can lend your voice to advocacy efforts promoting this legislation, follow U.S. Pain Foundation’s action opportunities.
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About U.S. Pain Foundation
The mission of the U.S. Pain Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is to empower, educate, connect, and advocate for individuals living with chronic illnesses and serious injuries that cause pain, as well as their caregivers and clinicians. For more information, visit uspainfoundation.org.
MEDIA INQUIRIES
Nicole Hemmenway
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