Senate Bill 424
An Act
By Representatives Wendelboe and Belk; also Senator Wheeler
Effective date: August 1, 2000

268:1 Statement of Purpose.

The state of New Hampshire recognizes that principles of quality medical practice dictate that the people of the state of New Hampshire have access to appropriate and effective pain relief. The appropriate application of up-to-date knowledge and treatment modalities can serve to improve the quality of life for those patients who suffer from pain as well as to reduce the morbidity, and costs associated with untreated or inappropriately treated pain. The state of New Hampshire encourages physicians to view effective pain management as a part of quality medical practice for all patients with pain, acute or chronic. It is especially important for patients who experience pain as a result of terminal illness.

268:2  New Paragraph; Professional Use of Controlled Substances. 

Amend RSA 318-B:10 by inserting after paragraph VI the following new paragraph:

VI-a. In addition to the provisions of paragraph VI and notwithstanding any other law or rule to the contrary, if, in the judgement of a physician licensed under RSA 329, appropriate pain management warrants a high dosage of controlled drugs and the benefit of the relief expected outweighs the risk of the high dosage, the licensed physician may administer or cause to be administered such a dosage, even if its use may increase the risk of death, so long as it is not furnished for the purpose of causing, or the purpose of assisting in causing, death for any reason and so long as it falls within rules of the board of medicine.

268:3 New Paragraph; Rulemaking Added.

Amend RSA 329:9 by inserting after paragraph XV the following new paragraph:

XV-a. Procedures for appropriate pain management pursuant to RSA 318-B:10, VI-a.