Pain Care Bill of Rights

As a Person With Pain, You Have:

• The right to have your report of pain taken seriously and to be treated with dignity and respect by doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
• The right to have your pain thoroughly assessed and promptly treated.
• The right to be informed by your doctor about what may be causing your pain, possible treatments, and the benefits, risks and costs of each.
• The right to participate actively in decisions about how to manage your pain.
• The right to have your pain reassessed regularly and your treatment adjusted if your pain has not been eased.
• The right to be referred to a pain specialist if your pain persists.
• The right to get clear and prompt answers to your questions, take time to make decisions, and refuse a particular type of treatment if you choose.

American Pain Foundation.