S-2922 : Still Just a Bill

The "Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act of 2023," designated as S. 2922, aims to enhance the understanding and treatment of chronic pain by mandating the following:

• Data Collection and Analysis: Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to utilize federal research data and collect additional data to clarify the incidence and prevalence of chronic pain, considering factors like demographics, risk factors, costs, and the effectiveness of treatments.
• Standardization and Collaboration: Requires the development of standard definitions and approaches for chronic pain research, in collaboration with experts and patient advocates, to improve data comparability.
• Information Dissemination: Mandates the creation of a "Chronic Pain Information Hub," a public webpage to aggregate federal data, research findings, and clinical tools related to chronic pain.
• Transparency: Requires disclosure of any conflicts of interest, such as payments from drug or device manufacturers, by individuals or organizations collaborating with the Secretary.
• Reporting: Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress within two years on the implementation of the Act, including information on the Chronic Pain Information Hub, data gaps, and feedback from collaborators.
• Definition: Defines "chronic pain" as persistent or recurrent pain lasting longer than 3 months.
• Authorization of Appropriations: Authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out the provisions of the Act.