1.) Have your pain prevented or controlled adequately.
2.) Have your pain and pain-medication history taken.
3.) Have your pain questions answered freely.
4.) Develop a pain plan with your doctor.
5.) Know what medication, treatment or anesthesia will be given.
6.) Know the risks, benefits and side effects of treatment.
7.) Know what alternative pain treatments may be available.
8.) Sign a statement of informed consent before any treatment.
9.) Be believed when you say you have pain.
10.) Have your pain assessed on an individual basis.
11.) Have your pain assessed using the 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain scale.
12.) Ask for changes in treatments if your pain persists.
13.) Receive compassionate and sympathetic care.
14.) Receive pain medication on a timely basis.
15.) Refuse treatment without prejudice from your doctor.
16.) Seek a second opinion or request a pain-care specialist.
17.) Be given your records on request.
18.) Include your family in decision making.
19.) Remind those who care for you, that your pain management is part of your diagnostic, medical or surgical care.