The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would be required to share prescription drug data on all beneficiaries with state prescription drug monitoring programs under legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) on Friday that seeks to prevent opioid abuse.
Due to technical issues, the VA is required to share prescription drug data for veterans with state prescription drug monitoring programs, but not their dependents, under current law. The VA Prescription Data Accountability Act would address that glitch and require the VA to provide prescription drug data on veterans and their beneficiaries to state monitoring programs.
“South Dakota is home to approximately 76,000 veterans who have been promised adequate care from the VA,” Rounds said. “Our bill simply updates current law to give the VA authority to securely share patient data with state prescription drug monitoring programs; crucial systems that reinforce safe prescribing practices to cut down on opioid abuse and protect our vets.”
The bill, which Rounds introduced with bipartisan support from U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN), has been endorsed by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Association of the United States Navy.
“I look forward to working with Sen. Donnelly to get this straight-forward, bipartisan, cost-effective legislation signed into law,” Rounds said.
U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) introduced companion bipartisan legislation in the House that passed unanimously.