Pain Patient Bill of Rights

by SDJ

May 12, 2022

As we celebrate International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, let's make sure our Fibro Management Toolkits are well stocked and updated.

The Fibro Diva Report believes that the first and most effective Positive Pain Coping Strategy is Knowledge of One's Rights. The Pain Patient’s Bill of Rights was created by American Pain Foundation.

APF wrote,

As a person with pain, you have the right to:

• Have your pain taken seriously and to be treated with dignity and respect by doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals.

• Have your pain thoroughly assessed and promptly treated.

• Be informed by your health-care provider about the possible causes of your pain, and possible treatments, including the benefits, risks, and costs of each.

• Participate actively in decisions about how to manage your pain.

• Have your pain reassessed regularly and your treatment adjusted if your pain has not been eased.

• Be referred to a pain specialist if your pain persists.

• Get clear and prompt answers to your questions, take time to make decisions, and refuse a particular type of treatment if you choose.

The U.S. Pain Foundation has an updated and expanded version of the Pain Patient Bill Rights located here.