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Ensure Patient Access to Quality Pain Control Measures

A newly formed New Jersey Pain Initiative (NJPI), aims to reduce the overwhelming toll of unalleviated pain suffered by cancer patients and other New Jersey residents, and to ensure access to appropriate pain treatment under a balanced policy that supports the need to guard against drug diversion and abuse.

Those working with the American Cancer Society include representatives from the NJ Hospice Association, the NJ Academy of Family Physicians, a NJ Legislative district director, representatives for the NJ Medical Society and the NJ Pharmacists’ Association, members of the Visiting Nurse Associations, the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, and three physicians (pain specialists).

Get Involved

Support pain control reforms for cancer patients. Contact your local advocacy director here>>>

The Latest Update

The Pain Initiative is now working for passage of a bill that will make it easier for doctors and their patients who need longer term assistance with pain. This would amend current state law by allowing physicians prescribing Schedule II controlled substances to provide 90-day prescriptions. Currently, individuals in New Jersey who suffer from chronic conditions and who require Schedule II controlled substances have to get a new prescription every 30 days.

In addition, the Pain Initiative is partnering with the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians (NJAFP) and the Federation of Medical Boards in developing a comprehensive CME education training for physicians.

Important Documents and Links:

Read the Senate version of the bill here>>>

Read the Assembly version of the bill here>>>