Chronic pain is seriously debilitating, and profoundly affects daily life. The management of pain has become an issue of grave concern for both the doctor who prescribes pain medication and for the patients who are suffering from chronic pain. The question is, who determines what medical treatment is appropriate, the treating physician or the government? With the DEA’s unwelcome involvement in the doctor-patient relationship, many doctors are now afraid to prescribe the medically necessary medication.

         Dr. Jeri Hassman has been indicted by the federal government for doing what she has been trained to do: taking care of her patients based upon what her patients tell her, what she has concluded from an examination, and using her medical education and experience to treat their pain. We must speak out for a clear and precise decision on the rights of patients and the rights of doctors who prescribe treatment for chronic pain. Dr. Hassman’s case has far-reaching significance for our health care system, and it is for this reason that her defense is of the utmost importance to us all.    

 
 
       To help Dr. Hassman fight these unjust charges, a defense fund has been created by those who believe that doctors should diagnose and treat pain. Doctors should not be afraid of criminal prosecution for doing their job by treating pain and suffering. Doctors are not, and should not, be policemen. Please help us support this very important cause.  
       

 
You may contribute to the Dr Hassman Defense Fund by:

• Mailing checks payable to the Dr. Hassman Defense Fund, Bank of America, 3480 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson, Arizona 85716;