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Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) [HTML]
HHS (or DHHS) is the principal federal government department for protecting Americans' health and providing essential human services. It is the umbrella for a large number of subordinate agencies [HTML]; the following have particular relevance to pain and related end-of-life issues.
Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) [HTML]

• Provides research, practice guidelines, articles and press releases regarding the use and effectiveness of pain medication, as well as the theories behind why so many Americans receive inadequate pain relief. (Note use AHRQ Site Search tool to find information on pain and pain management [HTML])

• As America’s population ages, many will undergo surgeries or become inflicted with diseases for which pain medication and pain management regimens are needed. The AoA provides support groups for family caregivers, and information, guidelines and regulations regarding pain management.

• Formerly the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) CMS administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs, which provide health care to America’s aged and indigent populations.
• This site provides information and resources regarding who qualifies for Medicare and Medicaid, where to apply, what benefits are offered, and clinical guidelines relating to pain management.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [HTML]
The FDA regulates everything from food ingredients to medications to complex medical and surgical devices. Information can be found on this site relating to specific drugs, as well as articles, press releases and guidelines relating to the management of pain.
Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) [HTML]
This site provides weekly and even daily updates about drug approvals and studies, as well as safety alerts for certain drugs and combinations thereof.

HHS, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) [HTML]
This site provides information on audit services, fraud alerts, and advisory opinions from the inspector general. By searching the site, one can find articles and reports relating to investigations of nursing homes and others using pain medication inappropriately.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) [HTML]

• One of the many theories as to why pain management is inadequate is the fear of both patients and practitioners that the patient will become addicted to the medication, leading to its abuse. This website offers current information relating to studies and regulations dealing with such medications. One of the current highlights on this site deal with opioid treatment programs.

• A division of SAMSHA, CSAT offers information about treatment for those that abuse alcohol and drugs.

U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) [HTML]
The purpose of the DEA is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States. Because many of the drugs used for pain management are considered narcotics, and therefore controlled substances, the DEA site contains relevant information as to their distribution and use. Particular attention should be paid to the DEA's Diversion Control Website [HTML].

Social Security Administration (SSA) [HTML]
Social Security provides benefits for those who qualify as having a disability, and also pays for Medicare benefits. Many people dealing with chronic pain may qualify as having a disability, or may already qualify for Medicare. Therefore this site offers relevant information regarding eligibility and benefits to aid those dealing with pain.
Social Security Disability Program [HTML]

• Provides information specifically about disabilities, benefits, and how to apply, including help with the forms.

U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) [HTML]
Sometimes, chronic pain can be the result of an injury received on the job. OSHA’s mission is to prevent such injuries and protect the health of America’s workers. Information on this site relates to the programs and services that OSHA provides at state, local and federal levels.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) [HTML]
Where chronic pain is considered a disability, this agency aims to ensure equality of opportunity by vigorously enforcing federal legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment.

Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) [HTML]
The purpose of ONDCP is to establish policies, procedures, priorities and objectives for the nation’s drug control program. The ONDCP has established guidelines for cooperation among state, federal and local entities. The site contains fact sheets and statistics related to different types of drugs. Much like the DEA, the ONDCP is relevant to pain management in its approach to regulating controlled substances.