 
News of the Day ... in Perspective1/4/2005 Specialists decry DEA reversal on pain guidelines. In response to the DEA repudiation of a jointly negotiated set of “Frequently Asked Questions” on pain management, released with great fanfare in August, three medical associations have sent a sharply critical letter. Heads of the American Pain Society (APS), the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) wrote that the DEA position “threatens [doctors’] ability to provide care to millions of patients.” Five past presidents of the APS sent a separate letter criticizing the testimony of Dr. Michael Ashburn, the lead prosecution expert witness against Dr. William Hurwitz (Marc Kauffman, Washington Post 12/21/04). Additional information: Letters from specialty societies: www.aapsonline.org/painman/aapmdea.pdf and www.aapsonline.org/painman/hurwitzletter.htm Dr. Hurwitz Convicted. - 12/16/04 DEA’s reneging on guidelines chills pain management - 11/30/2004 Pain Relief Network asks DEA to withdraw charges against Dr. Hurwitz. - 11/28/2004 DEA explains withdrawal of FAQ on prescription pain medicines. - 11/21/2004
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