Physicians must conscientiously and adequately treat pain.
Many treatment modalities are available, including federally-regulated drugs.
The Board seldom receives complaints suggesting inadequate treatment of acute pain and cancer pain. In reviewing patient records for other concerns, we do have a non-scientific sample which supports the observation that acute pain and chronic cancer pain are adequately treated by our licensees. However, we must accept literature findings that offer a less favorable picture, that is, both post-operative and cancer pain are often inadequately treated. We do receive complaints and reports of suspicious prescribing practices for chronic non-cancer pain. Let us emphasize that we recognize that chronic non-cancer pain does exist and should be adequately treated.