[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E937-E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PAIN MANAGEMENT

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 29, 1996

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate 
the emerging field of multidisciplinary pain management.
  Millions of Americans suffer from the intractable chronic pain. These 
pain patients often find that, in addition to suffering unremitting

[[Page E938]]

pain, they cannot sleep, work, or engage in family and social events. 
Pain is the No. 1 reason that individuals seek health care. Pain is a 
costly epidemic.
  Until recently, pain management has been poorly understood and poorly 
treated. In recent years, great strides have been made in helping to 
reduce the toll of pain and suffering. Multidisciplinary organizations, 
such as the American Academy of Pain Management, have brought together 
the previously fragmented clinical disciplines and have raised 
standards for the delivery for pain management.
  The American Academy of Pain Management is the largest society of 
learned clinicians in the United States concerned with pain management. 
The academy credentials multidisciplinary clinicians in pain 
management, utilizing rigorous screening steps which help assure that 
the public can find empathetic and knowledgeable pain management 
clinicians. In addition to board certification in pain management, the 
American Academy of Pain Management accredits pain programs, cosponsors 
the National Pain Data Bank, and conducts continuing education in pain 
management.
  Because of dedicated organizations such as the American Academy of 
Pain Management, our ability to reduce pain and suffering is improving.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor and recognize the commitment of 
the multidisciplinary membership of the American Academy of Pain 
Management and their visionary leadership in providing quality care to 
so many people.

                          ____________________