THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	25
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PAIN AND PALLIATIVE CARE POLICY.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, inadequate treatment of severe acute pain and severe chronic pain originating from cancer or noncancerous conditions is a significant health problem; and

 

     WHEREAS, for some patients, pain management is the single most important treatment a physician can provide; and

 

     WHEREAS, a patient who suffers from severe acute pain or severe chronic pain should have access to proper treatment of pain; and

 

     WHEREAS, due to the complexity of their problems, many patients who suffer from severe acute pain or severe chronic pain may require referral to a physician with expertise in the treatment of severe acute pain and severe chronic pain; and

 

     WHEREAS, in some cases, severe acute pain and severe chronic pain are best treated by a team of clinicians to address the associated physical, psychological, social, and vocational issues; and

 

     WHEREAS, opiates administered by knowledgeable, ethical, and experienced pain management practitioners for the treatment of severe acute pain or severe chronic pain can be safe; and

 

     WHEREAS, opiates may be part of an overall treatment plan for a patient in severe acute pain or severe chronic pain who has not obtained relief from any other means of pain management; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Board of Nursing is requested to develop and implement a pain and palliative care policy; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Nursing report to the Legislature on the development and implementation of a pain and palliative care policy no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2012; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Nursing.

Report Title: 

Pain Patient's Bill of Rights