On May 12, 1995, members from across the country met at The TMJ Association’s first annual meeting. On behalf of all TMJ patients, they developed the very first “TMJ Patient Bill of Rights.” We are proud to present them to you.

• Basic and clinical research to develop safe and effective treatments
• Standards of care based on science, not professional beliefs
• An immediate pain initiative that will lead to humane and effective pain management
• A device design team to develop a safe and effective total joint
• Fair coverage, including health insurance, Social Security, and disability income
• A national media campaign to educate the public about TMJ disorders and the potential dangers of TMJ implants
• A campaign to educate medical and dental professionals about TMJ disorders
• Information accessible to all TMJ patients regarding the scientific basis of all treatment modalities and devices
• Humane, ethical, and compassionate treatment from professionals; acknowledgement of our pain and suffering; repudiation of psychogenic etiology and an end to blaming the victim
• Accountability and responsibility for the tragedy many TMJ patients have experienced as a result of a lack of science and standards of care; a commitment to ensure that this does not continue and will not happen again

The American Pain Foundation has also developed a “Pain Care Bill of Rights” that all TMJ patients should read and understand.

As a person with pain, you have the right to:

• Have your report of pain taken seriously and to be treated with dignity and respect by doctors, nurses, pharmacists, social workers and other healthcare professionals.
• Have your pain thoroughly assessed and promptly treated.
• Participate actively in decisions about how to manage your pain.
• Be informed and know your options: talk with your healthcare provider about your pain - possible cause(s), treatment options, and the benefits, risks and costs of each choice.
• Have your pain reassessed regularly and your treatment adjusted if your pain has not been eased.
• Be referred to a pain specialist if your pain persists.
• Get clear and prompt answers to your questions, take time to make decisions, and refuse a particular type of treatment if you choose.

Although not always required by law, these are the rights you should expect for your pain care.

Source:

American Pain Foundation
201 N. Charles Street, Suite 710
Baltimore, MD 21201-4111
www.painfoundation.org