MINNEAPOLIS, Apr 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) commended the U.S. Congress and President for signing H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act legislation that includes provisions of the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009. Medtronic worked closely with physician and the patient community to support this important piece of legislation. The National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009 is designed to address barriers to proper pain management by improving pain care research, access, education, training, awareness and treatment. Chronic pain affects approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population. It is also a leading contributor to healthcare costs and a principal cause of disability.
The legislation was introduced in March 2009 in the House by Reps. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Senate sponsors Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT).
"This is an important outcome in the pursuit to help Americans who suffer from chronic pain, and we applaud the tireless efforts of many individuals and groups who share the commitment to find new ways to address better access to effective pain management," said Tom Tefft, president of the Neuromodulation business and senior vice president at Medtronic. "We are pleased to see that most of the provisions in the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009 were included in the monumental healthcare reform legislation signed by the President. This important piece of legislation received the full support of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives and will be put into action for the benefit of patients across the country."
For more information on the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009 in H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed by the President, visit http://thomas.loc.gov and see SEC. 4305.
About Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world.
Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.
SOURCE: Medtronic, Inc.
Medtronic, Inc. Public Relations Cindy Resman, 763-526-6248 or Investor Relations Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696