§ 63-1-1918B. Intent of Legislature regarding nursing home residents’ pain – Nursing homes to assess residents’ pain – Rules and regulations regarding pain management.

A.  It is the intent of the Legislature that pain experienced by nursing home residents be assessed and treated promptly, effectively, and for as long as pain persists.

B.  On and after July 1, 2005, every nursing facility licensed pursuant to the Nursing Home Care Act shall, as a condition of licensure, include pain as an item to be assessed at the same time as vital signs are taken.  The nursing facility shall ensure that pain assessment is performed in a consistent manner that is appropriate to the patient.  The pain assessment shall be noted in the patient’s chart in a manner consistent with other vital signs.

C.  The State Board of Health shall promulgate rules, pursuant to recommendations issued by the State Advisory Council on Pain Management, for assessing and documenting pain.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 388, § 2, emerg. eff. June 3, 2004.