Gynecologic Pain Management Study Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8159
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-30: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-04T08:08:40Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Gynecologic Pain Management Study Act (H.R. 8159) directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a study examining barriers that prevent healthcare providers from offering pain management options and patients from accessing them during gynecologic procedures (medical procedures related to the female reproductive system, such as exams or surgeries).
Key Provisions
- Study Requirements: HHS must perform a comprehensive review, including existing research literature and, if needed, new research, to identify barriers like insurance coverage limits, lack of provider training, or insufficient resources.
- Stakeholder Consultation: The Secretary must engage with:
- Patients and patient advocacy groups.
- Licensed reproductive health providers.
- Professional medical societies.
- Public health and health equity experts (focusing on underserved communities).
- Medical device manufacturers and innovators.
- Reporting: Within 24 months of enactment, HHS must submit a report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The report includes study findings and recommendations for administrative (agency-led) or legislative (new law) actions.
- Definitions:
- Pain management methods: Techniques to prevent, reduce, or manage physical pain during procedures.
- Secretary: Head of HHS.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandate for HHS to conduct and report on this specific study. It does not amend or repeal any existing laws but adds a one-time research and reporting requirement.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS will need to allocate resources for the study, consultations, and report, potentially influencing future health policy development.
- Citizens: Patients undergoing gynecologic procedures may benefit indirectly if study recommendations improve access to pain relief, addressing gaps in care, especially for marginalized groups.
- International Relations: No direct impact.
- Broader Effects: Could inform national guidelines on pain management, promoting better reproductive healthcare equity.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Patients and advocacy organizations, particularly women and underserved communities.
- Healthcare Providers in reproductive health.
- Medical Professional Societies and device manufacturers.
- Public Health and Equity Experts.
- HHS (leads the study).
- Congressional Committees (receive the report and may act on recommendations).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward administrative directive with no enforcement penalties; relies on voluntary stakeholder input.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it falls under Congress's authority to direct federal agency studies on public health.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (diverse cosponsors); emphasizes health equity and could spark debate on reproductive care access without mandating changes. Focuses on evidence-gathering rather than immediate policy shifts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3]
Cosponsors (28)
Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. McGarvey, Morgan [D-KY-3], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-30: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-03-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Gynecologic Pain Management Study Act — issued 2026-03-30 — PDF (3 pages)