SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 32
(By Senators Unger and Snyder)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study
non-narcotic based treatments for acute and chronic pain
management and painful conditions before they become chronic.
Whereas, There is a more effective way to treat chronic pain
conditions, as well as pain conditions before they become chronic,
than the current system; and
Whereas, There is little or no treatment options for long-
term chronic pain except prescribed narcotics because narcotic
treatment of pain, is the only form of treatment that is covered by
insurance companies; and
Whereas, The use of prescribed narcotics can often lead to
addiction to the narcotics, high crime rates and eventually fill
our prisons, which increases state budget; and
Whereas, Insurance companies that push patients into very
costly and ineffective treatments, are leading to cost shifting,
very poor outcomes and damaging not only the health care system but
also the state and federal programs that are just trying to keep up
on the increasing costs of these poor decisions on chronic and
acute pain management; and
Whereas, By expanding physical medicine treatments to cover
chronic pain, as well as limiting the heavy use of pain medications at the beginning of pain conditions, would be a better way to treat
patient's pain; and
Whereas, By having health centers, such as hospitals, located
throughout the state that employ chiropractors to address physical
medication of pain management would be a first step in fixing the
current situation in our health care system; and
Whereas, Veterans hospitals around the country employ
chiropractors and are expanding that program to include acupuncture
which is a very effective treatment for pain, headaches and many
other health conditions that would save money and avoid cost
shifting; and
Whereas, When insurance companies limit treatment for chronic
pain to $500 a year or limit the number of visits for physical
medical treatments; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study non-narcotic based treatments for acute and
chronic pain management and painful conditions before they become
chronic; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.