35-25-206. Pain management.

(a) The department may establish an acute and chronic pain management advisory committee consisting of the following members:

(i) One (1) employee of the department appointed by the director who will serve as the chairman of the committee;

(ii) One (1) member appointed by the board of medicine;

(iii) One (1) member appointed by the board of nursing;

(iv) One (1) member appointed by the board of pharmacy; and

(v) One (1) member of the public who has experience in pain management appointed by the director.

(b) The members of the pain management advisory committee shall serve at the pleasure of the director of the department and shall meet at least two (2) times each year. The travel expenses of the members of the pain management committee as described in subsection (a) of this section shall be paid by their respective departments or boards. The department shall pay the per diem and travel expenses of the member of the public appointed pursuant to paragraph (v) of subsection (a) of this section and shall provide administrative support for the operation of the committee.

(c) The committee shall perform the following functions:

(i) Research issues associated with acute and chronic pain management including those issues assigned to the committee by the director of the department;

(ii) Offer recommendations to the director of the department, other state agencies and licensing boards of health care professionals regarding policies and programs that would manage acute and chronic pain more effectively or efficiently; and

(iii) Make recommendations regarding legislation to the director of the department.