Chronic Pain Law “Sigh of Relief” for Both Physicians and Patients
September 19, 2025
Earlier this year, ISMS-backed House Bill 5373 was signed into law to help patients who are suffering from chronic pain to be able to secure treatment as prescribed by their physician.
This victory delivered much relief to many doctors who had become understandably reluctant to prescribe opioid treatments to patients experiencing chronic pain out of fear of being criminalized or having their license suspended or revoked. That’s because in 2016, many states, including Illinois, began implementing policies that severely restricted the prescription of Schedule II opioids.
As you know, every patient is different, and pain treatment should be tailored to the needs of the individual.
This law will also further safeguard the purpose of Illinois’ Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) as a clinical tool by stipulating that any data held within the PMP must only be supplied to law enforcement pursuant to an active investigation (a court order or subpoena).
Questions? Please contact ISMS Senior Vice President of State Legislative Affairs Erin O'Brien by email.
Earlier this year, ISMS-backed House Bill 5373 was signed into law to help patients who are suffering from chronic pain to be able to secure treatment as prescribed by their physician.
This victory delivered much relief to many doctors who had become understandably reluctant to prescribe opioid treatments to patients experiencing chronic pain out of fear of being criminalized or having their license suspended or revoked. That’s because in 2016, many states, including Illinois, began implementing policies that severely restricted the prescription of Schedule II opioids.
As you know, every patient is different, and pain treatment should be tailored to the needs of the individual.
This law will also further safeguard the purpose of Illinois’ Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) as a clinical tool by stipulating that any data held within the PMP must only be supplied to law enforcement pursuant to an active investigation (a court order or subpoena).
Questions? Please contact ISMS Senior Vice President of State Legislative Affairs Erin O'Brien by email.