The Negative Influence of Licensing and Disciplinary Boards and Drug Enforcement Agencies on Pain Treatment with Opioid Analgesics

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Abstract
State licensing and disciplinary boards and state and federal drug enforcement agencies exert a negative influence on adequate pain trealrnent because health-care professionals fear unwarranted discipline and prosecution from these agencies if they use opioid analgesics adequately to treat pain. Health care practice acts. and controlled substances laws authorize government regulations of the drugs used to treat pain. Boards must interpret the broad, sometimes vague and ambiguous, language in these acts that defies the standard 'of practice for narcotic use. Unfortunately, cultural and societal biases, myths and misconceptions about opioids influence boards' interpretation of the language in these acts. If pain treatment is to be improved, guidelines for interpretation of these statutes must be developed that eliminate biases, myths, and misconceptions, and which provide clear direction for the practitioner for the use of these drugs which assures him or her that charges of violation of the act will not be forthcoming. This will create an environment in which the practitioner will feel safe in prescribing these drugs and will result in adequate pain relief. Methods for achieving these goals are suggested

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