Bill Summary
The "Gynecologic Pain Management Study Act" is a proposed legislation aimed at addressing the barriers that healthcare providers and patients face regarding pain management methods during gynecologic procedures. The Act mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a thorough study that evaluates these barriers, which may be related to insurance coverage, training, and available resources.
The study will involve engaging various stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, medical societies, public health and health equity experts, and medical device manufacturers. Within 24 months of the Act's enactment, the Secretary is required to submit a report to relevant congressional committees detailing the findings of the study and any recommendations for improvements, which may involve administrative or legislative changes. The ultimate goal of this legislation is to enhance pain management practices in gynecologic care, ensuring better access and outcomes for patients.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the Gynecologic Pain Management Study Act could affect people:
1. **Improved Access to Pain Management**: The study mandated by the legislation could identify specific barriers that prevent effective pain management during gynecologic procedures. As a result, healthcare providers might be encouraged to adopt new pain management protocols or practices that enhance patient access to effective pain relief. This could lead to a more comfortable experience for patients undergoing procedures such as biopsies or surgeries, ultimately improving their overall quality of care and satisfaction.
2. **Policy Changes and Health Equity**: By engaging stakeholders, including health equity experts representing marginalized communities, the study could shine a light on disparities in access to pain management. Findings may lead to recommendations for policy changes aimed at ensuring that all patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location, have equitable access to pain management options. This could help to reduce healthcare inequalities and improve outcomes for underrepresented groups.
3. **Informed Decision-Making**: The comprehensive nature of the study, which includes a review of current literature and potential new research, could provide valuable insights into effective pain management strategies. This information could be disseminated to healthcare providers, empowering them to make better-informed decisions regarding pain management techniques during gynecologic procedures. Patients would benefit from receiving care that is informed by the latest research and best practices, leading to safer and more effective pain management options.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8159 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8159
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study
to assess barriers to pain management methods during gynecologic
procedures.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 30, 2026
Ms. Ansari (for herself, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Bell, Ms. Brownley, Mr.
Carter of Louisiana, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Goldman
of New York, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Johnson of
Georgia, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. McGarvey, Ms.
Norton, Ms. Pressley, Ms. Ross, Mr. Thanedar, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Tonko,
Mrs. Trahan, Ms. Velazquez, Ms. Williams of Georgia, and Ms. Wilson of
Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study
to assess barriers to pain management methods during gynecologic
procedures.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Gynecologic Pain Management Study
Act''.
SEC. 2. STUDY ON BARRIERS TO PAIN MANAGEMENT METHODS DURING GYNECOLOGIC
PROCEDURES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
conduct a comprehensive study to assess barriers to health care
providers offering, and patients accessing, pain management methods
during gynecologic procedures (such as whether lack of access is
related to insurance coverage, training, or resources issues). Such
study shall include a review of current literature and, if necessary,
new research.
(b) Stakeholder Engagement.--In conducting the study under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with relevant stakeholders,
including--
(1) patients and patient advocacy organizations;
(2) licensed reproductive health care providers;
(3) professional medical societies;
(4) public health experts;
(5) health equity experts representing marginalized
communities; and
(6) medical device manufacturers and innovators.
(c) Report.--Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report that includes--
(1) the findings of the study under subsection (a); and
(2) any recommendations for administrative or legislative
action.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Pain management methods.--The term ``pain management
methods'' means methods or strategies to prevent, reduce, or
manage physical pain associated with a medical procedure.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
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