The landscape of chronic pain care in the U.S. is heavily influenced by federal policies, particularly those impacting opioid prescribing, insurance coverage, and funding for multidisciplinary care. Over the last decade, significant policy shifts have reshaped how chronic pain is treated. As the new Congress and the Trump Administration implement significant policy changes in 2025, healthcare providers must anticipate and adapt to these changes to ensure access to effective care. This presentation explores how federal policies shape chronic pain care and what healthcare professionals can do to address potential challenges arising from these shifts and enhance participants' understanding of federal policy changes and their impact on chronic pain care. By highlighting the scope of these changes and their implications for patients and healthcare systems, the course aims to improve critical thinking and encourage interdisciplinary approaches to managing chronic pain within an ever-changing policy framework.
Learning Objectives:
Describe key health care policy changes under the Trump administration and new Congress and their impacts on chronic pain management and access to care.
Analyze the implications of the 2025 federal policy shifts for patients with chronic pain, including changes in reimbursement models and access to multidisciplinary care.
Evaluate the potential long-term effects of federal policies on health disparities in chronic pain care, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Identify strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of policy changes on chronic pain care through advocacy and evidence-based practices.
