INDIANA – A new state law in Indiana is set to provide significant relief for hundreds of Hoosiers living with chronic pain and managing their condition with implantable pain pumps. Effective July 1st, the legislation will extend the permissible time between doctor’s visits for pain pump refills from 90 days to up to six months.
Chronic pain affects a significant portion of Indiana’s adult population, with the CDC reporting that one in four adults in the state lives with the condition. This widespread issue underscores a critical need for enhanced support and more accessible treatment options.
State Representative Bob Behning, who has personally experienced chronic back and leg pain for over two decades due to a car crash and degenerative disc disease, has been a key advocate for the new law. After years of various treatments, Representative Behning found substantial relief through a pain pump implant, a device that surgically delivers medication directly to pain receptors.
Under previous Indiana law, strict regulations surrounding opioid prescriptions mandated that individuals with pain pumps visit their doctor every 90 days for refills. These frequent appointments presented considerable challenges, including being time-consuming and costly, thus adding an unnecessary burden to patients already coping with debilitating pain.
In collaboration with Dr. Joshua Wellington, Representative Behning championed the bill to address this hurdle. The legislation received unanimous approval from the General Assembly, demonstrating widespread support for enhancing the quality of life for patients with chronic pain.
Governor Mike Braun ceremonially signed the bill into law last month. This legislative change is expected to offer immediate benefits, providing greater flexibility and an improved ability for Hoosiers to manage their health without constant interruptions.
