PRINTER'S NO. 575
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 39 Session of
2011
INTRODUCED BY BROWNE, FONTANA, BREWSTER, RAFFERTY, KASUNIC,
KITCHEN, BOSCOLA AND FERLO, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
REFERRED TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE, FEBRUARY 17, 2011
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative and Budget Finance Committee to create
a Pain Task Force and a Pain Task Force Advisory Committee to
promote professional and public education and awareness and
to improve the quality of care for the citizens of this
Commonwealth who are suffering from pain.
WHEREAS, Pain can be classified as follows:
(1) acute pain, such as the pain following injury, acute
medical illness or surgery;
(2) chronic pain, such as chronic low back pain,
fibromyalgia, headache or chronic illness, such as lupus or
multiple sclerosis;
(3) cancer-related pain, including pain associated with
cancer and its treatment;
(4) pain in patients with life-limiting illness;
and
WHEREAS, Unrelieved acute pain increases suffering, can slow
recovery and is associated with an increased risk of
complications including death; and
WHEREAS, Unrelieved acute pain is common, with up to 40% of
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postoperative patients reporting inadequate pain relief; and
WHEREAS, Fifteen to 25% of community-based adults suffer from
chronic pain at any given time, a figure that increases to 50%
in adults over 65 years of age; and
WHEREAS, Chronic pain is associated with significant
suffering, including compromise of physical and psychosocial
functioning, such as depression and anxiety; and
WHEREAS, Chronic pain leads to lost or compromised workdays
that equate to an estimated $50 billion to $70 billion in lost
workdays in the United States per year; and
WHEREAS, Up to 70% of people with cancer suffer from pain
caused by their disease or its treatment; and
WHEREAS, People with advanced cancer describe their pain as
moderate to severe 40% to 50% of the time and very severe 25% to
30% of the time; and
WHEREAS, There are now several published clinical practice
guidelines regarding the diagnosis and treatment of acute,
chronic, cancer-related pain and pain associated with lifelimiting
illness, and the United States Congress declared
2001-2010 as the "Decade of Pain Control and Research"; and
WHEREAS, In spite of the availability of published treatment
guidelines, many citizens of this Commonwealth continue to
suffer from poorly controlled pain due to a variety of reasons;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED (the House of Representatives concurring), That the
General Assembly direct the Legislative and Budget Finance
Committee to create a Pain Task Force consisting of two members
appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, two
members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, two
members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives
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and two members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of
Representatives; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Pain Task Force create a Pain Task Force
Advisory Committee to assist in accomplishing each of its
responsibilities. The Pain Task Force Advisory Committee shall
consist of 25 members who are individuals with knowledge and
expertise regarding pain research, prevention, treatment,
educational programs and consumer needs, to guide program
development; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the committee be composed of one
representative from and designated by the following:
(1) Department of Health.
(2) Office of Attorney General.
(3) Pennsylvania Medical Society.
(4) Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.
(5) American College of Physicians.
(6) Pennsylvania Society for Oncology and Hematology.
(7) Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners.
(8) Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc.
(9) American Society for Pain Management Nursing.
(10) Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association.
(11) Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society.
(12) American Cancer Society.
(13) Pennsylvania Cancer Pain Initiative.
(14) Arthritis Foundation.
(15) Lupus Foundation of Pennsylvania.
(16) National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
(17) American Pain Society.
(18) American Pain Foundation.
(19) Pennsylvania Homecare Association.
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(20) Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association and the
Chiropractic Fellowship of Pennsylvania.
(21) Association for Professional Acupuncture.
(22) Pennsylvania Pain Coalition.
(23) The Pennsylvania rehabilitation industry;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That two members of the committee be chosen by the
coordinated designation of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical
industries; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Pain Task Force present to the General
Assembly a report evaluating the barriers to good pain care in
this Commonwealth, making suggestions for actions to improve
pain care within this Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Pain Task Force study the feasibility of
developing and implementing a comprehensive Statewide public
education program on pain management to:
(1) promote public awareness regarding proper pain
management;
(2) promote understanding of the importance of early
diagnosis and proper treatment and management;
(3) improve the delivery of appropriate information,
programs, services and access to the most effective
treatments for pain; and
(4) encourage research into the nature, cause and
treatment of pain;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Pain Task Force, in accomplishing its
missions, take into account guidelines that have been
promulgated by nationally recognized organizations that deal
with pain; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Pain Task Force recommend an appropriate
means of disseminating information to the professional community
and the general public; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Pain Task Force recommend sources of funds
to carry out its recommendations; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Pain Task Force report its findings
directly to the General Assembly no later than one year after
the adoption of this resolution.
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PRINTER'S NO. 3446
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 709 Session of
2010
INTRODUCED BY HICKERNELL, ADOLPH, BAKER, BEAR, BEYER, BOYD,
BRADFORD, CALTAGIRONE, CIVERA, CLYMER, COHEN, CONKLIN,
D. COSTA, CREIGHTON, CUTLER, DALEY, DeLUCA, DiGIROLAMO,
DONATUCCI, EVERETT, FAIRCHILD, GEIST, GEORGE, GIBBONS,
GILLESPIE, GINGRICH, GOODMAN, GRUCELA, HARKINS, HELM,
HENNESSEY, HESS, KILLION, KNOWLES, KORTZ, KOTIK, KULA,
MAHONEY, MAJOR, MANN, MARKOSEK, MARSICO, McCALL, MICOZZIE,
MILLARD, MILNE, MOUL, MURT, MUSTIO, OBERLANDER, D. O'BRIEN,
PAYNE, PHILLIPS, PICKETT, REICHLEY, ROHRER, ROSS, SAINATO,
SANTONI, SCAVELLO, SIPTROTH, SONNEY, STABACK, STERN, SWANGER,
TRUE, VEREB, VULAKOVICH, WATSON, YOUNGBLOOD AND BRENNAN,
MARCH 24, 2010
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, MARCH
24, 2010
A RESOLUTION
Designating May 12, 2010, as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" observances are held
each May in this Commonwealth, nationally and internationally;
and
WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is the most common chronic pain
disorder, affecting 3% to 5% of the world population; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 10 million people in the United States
are living with fibromyalgia; and
WHEREAS, Health care costs among those persons are three
times higher than costs among the general population; and
WHEREAS, Total annual fibromyalgia-associated health care
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costs in the United States are $12 billion to $14 billion; and
WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia causes long-term, body-wide
musculoskeletal pain and stiffness as well as fatigue; and
WHEREAS, Diagnosis is based on reported symptoms: there is no
accurate fibromyalgia-specific imaging or diagnostic testing;
and
WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia incidence increases with age; and
WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia affects both sexes, with a greater
prevalence among women; and
WHEREAS, Juvenile fibromyalgia is more common among girls;
and
WHEREAS, Approved drugs reduce pain and improve quality of
sleep and function but do not cure fibromyalgia; and
WHEREAS, Since 1997 the National Fibromyalgia Association has
joined other fibromyalgia support organizations and patient
advocates in coordinating "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" events;
and
WHEREAS, The national 2010 campaign, "Make Fibromyalgia
Visible," is aimed at bringing hope, through public knowledge,
to persons living with this highly disabling disorder which has
no outward signs; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate May 12,
2010, as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania and urge
support for fibromyalgia-related research and resources in our
communities and improved therapies and quality of life for
affected persons.
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PRINTER'S NO. 1114
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 160 Session of
2009
INTRODUCED BY HICKERNELL, BAKER, BELFANTI, BEYER, BOBACK, BOYD,
BRENNAN, BROWN, BURNS, CALTAGIRONE, CAUSER, CLYMER, COHEN,
CONKLIN, D. COSTA, CREIGHTON, CUTLER, DELOZIER, DiGIROLAMO,
DONATUCCI, FLECK, GEIST, GEORGE, GIBBONS, GILLESPIE,
GINGRICH, GOODMAN, GROVE, GRUCELA, HELM, HENNESSEY, HESS,
HUTCHINSON, KILLION, KORTZ, KULA, MAHONEY, MANN, MARKOSEK,
MARSICO, McCALL, MELIO, MILLARD, MOUL, MURT, MUSTIO,
OBERLANDER, PALLONE, PAYNE, PHILLIPS, PICKETT, QUINN, RAPP,
READSHAW, REICHLEY, ROCK, ROHRER, ROSS, SAINATO, SANTONI,
SAYLOR, SCAVELLO, SIPTROTH, SONNEY, STERN, SWANGER, TRUE,
VEREB, VULAKOVICH, WALKO AND YOUNGBLOOD, MARCH 18, 2009
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, MARCH
18, 2009
A RESOLUTION
Designating May 12, 2009, as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, An estimated 10 million people in the United States,
including 6% to 8% of the population of our country, and
millions of people worldwide, have been diagnosed with
fibromyalgia, a disease for which there is no known cause or
cure; and
WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness increasing at
epidemic rates, which causes fatigue and debilitating pain in
women, men and children of all ages and races; and
WHEREAS, Patients with this illness often have to learn to
live with widespread pain throughout their bodies, extreme
fatigue, sleep disorders, stiffness and weakness, migraine
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headaches, numbness and tingling, and impairment of memory and
concentration; and
WHEREAS, It often takes an average of five years to receive a
diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and medical professionals frequently
are inadequately educated on fibromyalgia diagnosis and
treatment; and
WHEREAS, It is necessary that we recognize the medical
research demonstrating biochemical abnormalities in people with
fibromyalgia; and
WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia in children and young adults presents
unique challenges for this population, who suffer not only from
the symptoms of this illness but also from the lack of
understanding and social acceptance; and
WHEREAS, People with fibromyalgia face discrimination from
employers, friends, family and the judicial system while dealing
with the ongoing stress of living with an unpredictable disease
and an uncertain future; and
WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is life-altering, preventing patients
from contributing to society at the level they once did because
of a myriad of symptoms that can come and go unpredictably and
vary in severity; and
WHEREAS, Employers could support their employees with
fibromyalgia by making adaptations to the work environment so
that people with fibromyalgia could continue to function at work
and not be forced to file for disability; and
WHEREAS, The National Fibromyalgia Association and other
fibromyalgia support organizations around our country have
joined together to promote fibromyalgia awareness and support,
including improved education, diagnosis, research and treatment;
and
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WHEREAS, Understanding this illness will help guarantee hope
for a better future for people with fibromyalgia; therefore be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
needs of these chronically ill people and designate May 12,
2009, as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania and urge
all of our citizens to support the search for a cure and assist
those individuals and families who deal with this devastating
disease on a daily basis.
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PRINTER'S NO. 2125
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 372 Session of
2010
INTRODUCED BY GREENLEAF, FERLO, WASHINGTON, KITCHEN, BOSCOLA,
RAFFERTY, WAUGH, LOGAN, FONTANA, DINNIMAN, PIPPY, FARNESE,
ERICKSON, M. WHITE, O'PAKE, PILEGGI, ALLOWAY, BAKER AND
D. WHITE, JUNE 30, 2010
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, JUNE 30, 2010
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of September 2010 as "Women in Pain
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to recognize the need to
raise awareness concerning gender disparity in pain
assessment and treatment.
WHEREAS, Research indicates that differences in men and women
exist in the experience of pain, with women generally
experiencing more recurrent pain, more severe pain and longerlasting
pain than men; and
WHEREAS, Women have a higher prevalence than men of chronic
pain syndromes and diseases associated with chronic pain, such
as fibromyalgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and
osteoarthritis; and
WHEREAS, Although women and men both have strong natural
pain-killing systems, these systems operate differently as the
presence of estrogen lowers an individual's threshold for pain
while testosterone elevates an individual's tolerance for pain;
and
WHEREAS, A 2001 study in the Journal of Law, Medicine, and
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Ethics found that women's pain reports are taken less seriously
than those of men and that women receive less aggressive
treatment than men for their pain; and
WHEREAS, According to the National Institutes of Health, pain
is the most common reason Americans access the health care
system and more than 76.5 million Americans suffer from pain,
both chronic and acute, which increases health care costs,
estimated at $100 billion annually in health care expenses, lost
income and lost productivity; and
WHEREAS, Because women respond differently than men to many
pain medications and tend to receive less aggressive treatment,
their pain is often more all-encompassing and the level of
disability is greater; and
WHEREAS, The difference in the treatment of women in pain, as
compared to that of men, is more than a personal or gender
issue; it is a societal issue; and
WHEREAS, The Women in Pain Awareness Group was founded in
2010 to increase awareness of the gender disparity women
experience worldwide in the assessment and treatment of their
pain; and
WHEREAS, The Women in Pain Awareness Group, along with
Persons With Pain International, believes empowering women to be
better consumers for their pain management care, sensitizing
health care professionals to gender pain disparities and
enlightening public policymakers about pain as a major health
issue will improve life outcomes for all women in pain;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate designate the month of September
2010 as "Women in Pain Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania; and be
it further
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RESOLVED, That the Senate draw public attention to the
important need for women to have their pain managed effectively
and without bias through self-empowerment, public awareness,
health care professional education and legislative advocacy.
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