Skip To Navagation Skip To Content

ASPI Monthly E-Newsletter

The ASPI E-Newsletter is a monthly e-mail update on pain related issues, events, and activities of the Alliance of State Pain Initiatives. To receive the ASPI E-Newsletter, please email Ronna Popkin at rapopkin@wisc.edu
Click here for past E-Newsletters.

September 2007 E-Newsletter
gotoASPI Requests Reconsideration of Oct. 1, 2007 Deadline for Medicaid Rx Pad Requirement
gotoState Pain Initiatives Active in Pain Awareness Month
gotoFree CD of the Northern California Pain Initiative’s Teleconference on Pain Guidelines
gotoStudy Looks At Addiction Rate in Persons Receiving Opioid Therapy

ASPI Requests Reconsideration of Oct. 1, 2007 Deadline for Medicaid Rx Pad Requirement

The ASPI has gone on record requesting reconsideration of or delay in implementation of a new federal law that requires ALL non-electronic prescriptions for Medicaid beneficiaries to be written on tamper-resistant prescription forms by October 1, 2007.  Like many pain management advocates, the ASPI is concerned that there is too little time to inform practitioners and patients of the new requirement and that there will not be a sufficient supply of tamper-resistant forms available by October 1.  If you or your State Pain Initiative has concerns about the requirement, the ASPI encourages you to contact your members of Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.   The ASPI also encourages you to get the word out about the new requirement to prescribers, dispensers and patients so that pain care is not disrupted.

State Pain Initiatives Active in Pain Awareness Month

September is Pain Awareness Month and many State Pain Initiatives are taking leadership roles in activities to raise awareness of pain issues in their states and communities. The activities include professional education conferences, public awareness media campaigns, Governors’ proclamations, pain summits, and more.  Click here for a list of events and programs planned in communities across the country.

Free CD of the Northern California Pain Initiative’s Teleconference on Pain Guidelines

While supplies last, the Northern California Pain Initiative (NCPI) is offering free CDs of their 90-minute teleconference conducted by Christine Miaskowski, RN, PhD, FAAN, on the American Pain Society Guideline for the Management of Cancer Pain in Adults and Children.  If you request the CD during Pain Awareness Month, you will also receive a free copy of the APS Pain Guideline book (a $15 value)!  For more information or to order the CD, visit the NCPI website or email Jennifer Renell.

Important Safety Update on Fentora®

The FDA recently posted a safety alert to inform health care providers of important safety updates from Cephalon regarding Fentora®, the fentanyl buccal tablet.  Fentora® is a prescription opioid medication that is indicated only for the management of breakthrough pain in adults with cancer pain.  Serious adverse events, including death, have been reported when this medication was not prescribed and used appropriately.  Click here to read the FDA alert and letters from Cephalon. 

top top

    The Alliance of State Pain Initiatives and the University of Wisconsin-Madison do not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process described in the E-Newsletter, and the reference to any of these resources does not imply endorsement.

ASPI Home | Annual Meeting | About ASPI | State Pain Initiatives | Events | E-Newsletter | Media | Public Policy | Position Statement
Professional Education | Public Education | ASPI Leader Toolbox | Resource Center | Related Links | SPI Leader Login | Legal