SB1662 Summary

• Creates the Interventional Surgical Pain Procedures for Chronic Pain Act, effective July 1, 2013, restricting who may perform specific pain management procedures in Illinois.

• Requires that only physicians licensed to practice medicine in all its branches may perform interventional surgical pain procedures for chronic pain, including nerve blocks, epidural injections, spinal cord stimulator placement, and vertebroplasty.

• Allows physicians to be assisted by other licensed professionals including advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, registered nurses, surgical assistants, and surgical technicians, but prohibits delegation of the procedures themselves.

• Exempts non-interventional chronic pain treatments performed by dentists, acupuncturists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and other licensed healthcare workers operating within their defined scope of practice.

• Establishes Class A misdemeanor penalties for violations, with enforcement through the Medical Practice Act of 1987, and authorizes the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to adopt implementing rules in consultation with the Medical Licensing Board.