The boards of directors of the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) and the American Pain Society (APS) jointly approved a consensus statement on the“Use of Opioids for the Treatment of
Chronic Pain.” The statement was a collaborative effort between both  organizations. The statement is in
 response to inquiries from state legislatures, medical examiners, regulators, and doctors regarding the
 appropriate use of opioids.

  AAPM and APS believe that the United States is in a critical phase of state-level  policy development with respect to the use of opioids in pain treatment. The objective is for state policies to recognize but not interfere with the medical use of opioids for pain relief, while continuing to address the issue of prescription  practices that may contribute to drug abuse and diversion.
 
It is important to note that this statement should not be misconstrued as  advocating wholesale use of opioids. Rather, if a practitioner decides that opioid therapy may benefit a particular patient suffering with chronic pain, the statement serves as a guide for both the practitioner and the regulators.

This joint consensus statement has been produced to help foster a practice environment in which opioids may be used appropriately to reduce needless suffering and pain. Both board recognize this document is a work in progress as the state of clinical practice is continually evolving.