Rep. Ryan Zinke, U.S. Representative for Montana's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Ryan Zinke, U.S. Representative for Montana's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke introduced the Veteran Prescription Safety Improvement Act, alongside House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI-03), and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06).
“For far too long Washington DC has treated veterans like victims at best, and addicts at worst. Rather than continue the stigmatization of veterans, the VA should be monitoring providers, prescribers, and pharmacies to ensure their practices are not causing adverse health outcomes,” said Congressman Zinke. “This bill closes some technical loopholes and puts community care providers and contractors on the same playing field as VA-employed providers for scrutiny. I’m grateful to have the Chairman’s support in strengthening this aspect of the MISSION Act.”
“Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs play a vitally important role in tracking controlled substance prescriptions to prevent drug abuse, overdoses, and misuse. However, current legal barriers limit the partnership between VA providers and states, and in return, prevent VA providers from accessing the data they need to track prescriptions for opioids and other medications. This hinders the ability to improve patient care, make safe medication recommendations for veterans, and ultimately save veteran lives,” said Chairman Bost. “I want to thank my colleague and fellow veteran, Rep. Zinke, for leading the Veteran Prescription Safety Improvement Act to improve VA’s coordination with state PDMP agencies to keep veteran patients safe and healthy. It goes without saying that every veteran and their family should have peace of mind in knowing that the medication recommendations they are receiving are safe, informed, and aimed at preventing prescription drug abuse and overdose.”
“The Tomah VA facility in the Third District of Wisconsin is no stranger to veterans struggling with prescription drug misuse,” said Congressman Van Orden. “This is an issue that has been brushed under the rug for far too long and that stops now. I am proud to join my colleague Rep. Zinke in introducing this thoughtful legislation.”
The Veteran Prescription Safety Improvement Act would make several adjustments to managing prescription data. It would expand the authority VA providers have to access states’ Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP) not only when issuing prescriptions but also whenever it is clinically necessary, which would improve diagnosis and treatment.
This bill would also amend the definition of ‘covered patients’ by eliminating the exemption for those in hospice or palliative care, ensuring they are not excluded from PDMP checks. Furthermore, it would clarify that ‘licensed healthcare providers’ include both VA employees and contractors so all have authority and protection to perform PDMP queries. Additionally, it would allow VA to disclose patient information to PDMPs as needed supporting comprehensive use of PDMP data.
Lastly, this bill would require the VA Undersecretary for Health to issue formal guidance on best practices for conducting state PDMP queries and mandate annual training on these practices ensuring consistent use of PDMPs.
Organizational support: American Legion America’s Warrior Partnership Wounded Warrior Project
Read more about the bill HERE.
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