In search of a new ethic for treating patients with chronic pain: what can medical boards do?

Author argues that a complex "ethic of underprescribing" underlies the continued reluctance of physicians to use opioids to treat chronic pain. She contends that state medical boards are uniquely positioned to promote a new ethic for pain management, but stresses the difficulties for boards in attaining this goal. She thinks success may hinge on whether boards can change their approach to pain management and persuade a skeptical medical community that adopting a risk for underprescribing will serve the long-term interests of patients and the profession.