HHS Announces Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force

Members & Publications

September 13, 2017

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has given notice of its intent to establish the Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force (Task Force) pursuant to section 101 of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016. The Task Force will consist of representatives of specific Federal agencies and non-federal individuals and entities who represent diverse disciplines and views. The Task Force will provide advice and recommendations for development of best practices for pain management and prescribing pain medication and a strategy for disseminating such best practices to relevant Federal agencies and the general public.

Through this notice, HHS is also requesting nominations of individuals who are interested in being considered for appointment to the Task Force. Resumes or curricula vitae from qualified individuals who wish to be considered for appointment as a member of the Task Force are currently being accepted. Nominations must be received no later than close of business September 27, 2017. All nominations must be submitted via email to the attention of Vanila M. Singh, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at PainTaskforce@hhs.gov. The full notice can be found here.

Any Academy member interested in applying for this opportunity is encouraged to contact AAPM&R if they would like the Academy to consider submitting a letter of support. Your Academy will also seek support from the American Medical Association (AMA) as members of the Opioid Task Force.

Legislation Introduced to Alleviate Impact of Conversion Factor Cut for 2021

Nov 09, 2020

Last month, two bills were introduced in the House proposing solutions to the estimated 10.6% Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor cut expected to go into effect January 1, 2021.  The bills offer some relief to the cut, but do not reflect a comprehensive or long-term solution.  AAPM&R has therefore chosen to remain neutral regarding these bills. 

Your Academy continues to advocate for a permanent solution to the conversion factor cut while maintaining the important payment increases to office and outpatient evaluation and management services.