ABSTRACT
Chronic pain management involves professionals from many different fields. Examination of codes of ethics and policies from the various professions show common themes. This chapter reviews the types of litigation or administrative claims in which chronic pain management practitioners might find themselves involved through their patient’s involvement, and the ethical concerns and obligations this involvement brings. It also reviews the legal and ethical issues raised by testifying in different types of cases or claims based upon the same facts or occurrence. The chapter presents readers with a framework for looking at ethical dilemmas and ethical decision making within the context of providing testimony. It focuses on the causes of actions in which pain practitioners may typically find themselves presenting testimony. These actions in which pain practitioners may find themselves serving as witnesses based upon their client’s involvement include workers’ compensation, negligence, a Title I (Employment) ADA action, and finally, a social security claim.
