Bishop’s bill would enable VA medical facilities to help end opioid crisis

U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI) on Sept. 20 sponsored legislation that would require all U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers to designate on-site physical locations for the disposal of government-regulated drugs.

“In Michigan, we have a situation where overdose deaths more than doubled car accident fatalities last year, and all too often, these tragedies are caused by unused prescription drugs that end up in the wrong hands,” said Rep. Bishop. “It is our obligation to do something.”

The VA Safe Opioid Return Act, H.R. 6848, co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO), would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that each covered VA medical center has a physical location where patients may dispose of controlled substances medications, according to the text of H.R. 6848. Covered VA medical centers are those with an on-site pharmacy or law enforcement officer, according to the text.

“This straightforward bill will help bring visibility for our veterans who are seeking to dispose of expired or excess medication – to help get these prescriptions out of medicine cabinets,” Rep. Bishop said.

Rep. Coffman said it’s “a no brainer” to permit United States military veterans to safely dispose of their unused prescription drugs. “These drop boxes are an important step in raising awareness of the ongoing opioid epidemic in our country and another step in combating it,” he said.

H.R. 6848 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“This epidemic will require an all hands on deck approach in our communities, and while much more must be done, this legislation is a common-sense step in the right direction,” added Bishop.