Boston Scientific Welcomes Progress on Pain Care L...( NATICK Mass. June 23 /- Boston Sc...),Health

NATICK, Mass., June 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today welcomed progress on a number of pieces of legislation that will help service veterans and the active armed forces better manage the challenges of chronic pain. The U.S. Senate has recently passed the Veterans Mental Health Improvements Act, which includes provisions of the Veterans Pain Care Act (S. 2160), originally introduced by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI). The bill calls for the establishment of a pain care initiative in the health care facilities of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

In addition, last month the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included passage of the Military Pain Care Act of 2008 (HR 5465). This pain care provision, originally introduced by Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA), would require the Department of Defense to implement a pain care initiative in all military health care facilities.

"These bills will advance the cause for all pain patients by focusing much needed attention on our active military and our veterans about the seriousness of chronic pain," said Scott M. Fishman, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Chief, Division of Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of California, Davis. "As a pain physician, I applaud Congress for recognizing the gravity of this issue. Pain is a complex medical condition that can affect the physical and mental well being of millions of patients."

"We congratulate members of the House and Senate for these important steps in advancing public awareness and understanding of chronic pai
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