HI HR48

Hawaii State Board of Nursing is requested to develop and implement a pain and palliative care policy addressing treatment of severe acute and chronic pain.

Policy development should recognize that patients with severe pain from cancer or noncancerous conditions require access to proper pain treatment, potentially including opiates when administered by knowledgeable practitioners.

Hawaii State Board of Nursing must report to the legislature on policy development and implementation no later than twenty days before the 2012 regular session convenes.

Resolution acknowledges that severe pain may require referral to pain management specialists and multidisciplinary clinical teams to address physical, psychological, social, and vocational issues.

Certified copy of resolution shall be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Hawaii State Board of Nursing.