BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 507 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 11, 2011 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair AB 507 (Hayashi) - As Amended: April 27, 2011 Policy Committee: Business and Professions Vote: 6-0 Health Vote: 13-4 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill changes two provisions governing the treatment of pain. Specifically, this bill: 1)Repeals existing authorization for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to employ a physician to interview and examine any patient in connection with the prescription possession or use of a controlled substance. 2)Makes technical and conforming changes to existing law related to severe chronic intractable pain and to the California Intractable Pain Treatment Act (CIPT Act). FISCAL EFFECT Negligible state fiscal impact. COMMENTS 1)Rationale . The author states that while California has made many important legislative and regulatory changes related to pain management, some ambiguities and inconsistencies remain in the law surrounding pain practice. These outdated practice standards can unduly restrict healthcare practice and interfere with patient access to effective pain treatment. The author states that this bill will remove remaining legal barriers to optimal pain management. 2)Pain and Policy Study Group (PPSG) . According to the sponsor of this bill, the American Cancer Society (ACS), the changes AB 507 Page 2 to statute that this bill proposes were identified by PPSG. PPSG is a non-profit entity primarily involved in the collection and evaluation of state policies that govern pain management. PPSG promotes a balance between concerns about abuse and addiction, and the ability of physicians to treat adequately treat pain. PPSG reviewed every state's adherence to this principle of balance using a peer reviewed evaluation, and identified potential barriers to adequate patient pain care as well as language that promotes safe and effective treatment. Analysis Prepared by : Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081