STATEHOUSE (May 29, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) to provide patients with chronic pain more flexibility on doctor visits and prescriptions when using implanted pain pumps.
Behning was involved in an automobile accident in 2002 that resulted in him having back surgery and subsequent chronic pain. While able to function, he said side effects like drowsiness from prescribed treatments were daily complications.
His doctor referred him to a pain specialist who suggested he use a subdermal opioid delivery system that is implanted under the skin, attached with a catheter under the spinal cord, that administers a very small amount of the opioid directly to the site of pain.
"The change in my life has been dramatic," Behning said. "I have very few restrictions and the side effects were reduced to almost being nonexistent. It's been a life-changing experience to have access to this technology."
Due to concerns over prescribing opioid treatments and the penchant to develop an addiction, the Indiana Scheduled Prescription Electronic Collection and Tracking (INSPECT) program has restricted Schedule II controlled substance prescription limits to 90 days instead of 180 days. Through Behning's legislation, House Enrolled Act 1200, opioid prescription refills and doctor visits for subdermal delivery systems can be on 180-day cycles unless earlier follow-ups are deemed necessary.
"There's rightly been a lot of concern about opioid addiction and the need for restrictions on their use," Behning said. "But because these implanted pain pumps provide targeted, steady and controlled doses that minimize abuse risk and side effects, requiring fewer doctor check-ins, when appropriate, will save patients time and money."
To learn more about HEA 1200 and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signs into law State Rep. Bob Behning's (R-Indianapolis) bill to provide patients with chronic pain more flexibility on doctor visits and prescriptions when using implanted pain pumps on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Statehouse. Pictured are (from left) law co-sponsor State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso); Behning; Braun; Dr. Joshua Wellington, interventional pain management specialist at the Center for Pain Management in Carmel; and law co-author State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond).
