AMTA Advocates for Improved Chronic Pain Research

On September 9, AMTA attended a Capitol Hill briefing on the need for stronger federal policies to address chronic pain. The event provided an opportunity to discuss the AMTA-supported Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act (ARCPA), S. 5041.

This bipartisan legislation would standardize how federal agencies collect data on chronic pain and establish a Chronic Pain Information Hub, making federal data easier to access and share. These improvements would provide policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals with a clearer understanding of the needs of people living with chronic pain. The enhanced data could also help support research and policy efforts related to massage therapy and other pain management approaches.

Given the limited time remaining in the current congressional session, AMTA does not expect Congress to take action on S. 5041 this year. Like all pending legislation, the bill will expire when the current Congress adjourns if it is not enacted.

AMTA remains committed to educating lawmakers about gaps in pain care and the need for more comprehensive pain policy. In the next Congress, AMTA will advocate for reintroduction of the legislation in the Senate, build support for a companion bill in the House, and work toward passage of a final bill.

Learn more about how AMTA is leading the conversation on massage therapy for pain relief.