The House Veterans Affairs Committee approved a provision authored by U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) on Thursday that would require Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities to participate in drug monitoring programs.
Language authored by Walorski was added to an amended version of the committee-approved Promoting Responsible Opioid Management and Incorporating Scientific Expertise (PROMISE) Act, H.R. 4063.
“Indiana is in the midst of a prescription drug epidemic,” Walorski, a member of the House Veteran Affairs Committee and the Armed Services Committee, said. “It’s alarming that Veterans Affairs medical facilities are not required by law to report the amount of powerful drugs and opiates they prescribe.”
VA facilities can currently choose whether or not they participate in statewide drug monitoring programs requiring that other doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners review patient records before painkillers are prescribed. Pharmacists are responsible for recording prescriptions they fill in a database.
“Without the VA’s participation, there’s a glaring void in reporting that leaves veterans, already at an increased risk of abuse, even more vulnerable,” Walorski said. “My language ensures the VA follows the same rules and regulations as all other doctors and pharmacists to ensure veterans don’t abuse prescription drugs. I’m committed to increasing oversight and transparency over VA doctors to allow us to more closely monitor if veterans are being improperly treated.”