To influence lawmakers we need everyone to get involved. Here’s what you can do to help!

There are several ways you can participate that will take only a few minutes. 

Go to the National Pain Council Call To Action - DOJ ADA Action Request Form we've provided to make taking action easy. 

1.   Send an Inquiry to the Justice Department Civil Rights Division on the Status of Guidance for the Protection of Patients With Painful Diseases Pain, Policy Modification Requirements Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Request Immediate Action be taken!

A sample inquiry is attached that can be personalized for your own use. Instructions are included for using and sending via web portals or modifying for use as a letter to send to Congressional Representatives.

Include your Impact Statement that describes how the government's interference in the practice of medicine has affected you.

➡ Loss of job, ability to participate in activities of daily life

➡ Increased disability, loss of independence, what you could do previously, that you are unable to do now.

Be sure to include the Discrimination you have experienced. 

➡Involuntary discontinuation  or tapering of a medication(s) needed based on Policy, not on Patient Health Care needs.

➡Refused treatment by a medical facility or acceptance at a medical practice based on Diagnosis/Disability status.

➡Refused admittance to or discharged from a  medical practice based on Condition/Disability or RX being taken

➡ Forced to choose which medical condition (disability) would be untreated to obtain, or retain medical treatment

2. Request ADA Accommodation for your disability when you experience barriers to treatment that are discriminatory. There is no requirement that the request be made in writing. It is important that you document the actions you take.

• · Date and specific request, who you interacted with, method of contact

The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 USC Chapter 126 defines a disability as anything that substantially limits a major life activity, including major bodily functions and the performance of various activities such as walking, bending, standing and working. 42 USC §12102.

Ameliorating a disability with medication was expressly considered by Congress to be a right of disabled people and the person is considered disabled, if the person continues to need the medication to function, but is functional while on the medication. 42 USC §12102(4)(E)(i)(I).

If your request for a policy modification to accommodate your disability is not approved, file a complaint.

One of the most important things to remember is that there is no such thing as too much documentation.

If you have any questions, or need help filing an ADA requested or complaint you can send me an email.