REPRESENTATIVE KATIE DEMPSEY APPOINTED TO SERVE ON THE HOUSE STUDY COMMITTEE ON PAIN MANAGEMENT

ATLANTA—Georgia State Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome) has been tapped by House Speaker Glenn Richardson to serve on the House Study Committee on Pain Management.  The committee held its first meeting on Thursday, September 27, 2007.

“Pain management and patient care are critical issues to our healthcare community, and I look forward to further working with my colleagues to explore the many facets of these issues,” Dempsey said.  “In our first meeting, we heard some very informative testimony from members of the medical community about the importance of pain management especially in hospice and palliative care.  One of the greatest concerns to legislators and to the medical community is not only availability of certain pain relieving drugs but also the dangers of addiction and dependency.  This issue is very sensitive and complicated, and I look forward to continuing our work in the coming months.”

Created by House Resolution 663, the House Study Committee on Pain Management will open the discussion with the state Attorney General’s office, regulatory boards and interested parties on procedures and techniques for the management of pain.  The committee will study and report to the General Assembly issues involving medical, pharmaceutical, and patient care relating to the treatment of pain including the use of Schedule II controlled substances.

Other committee members include Representatives Buddy Carter (R-Pooler), Richard Smith (R-Columbus) and Pat Gardner (D-Atlanta).

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