Chronic pain is the leading cause of disability for those who have served, and severe pain is 40% more common among veterans than nonveterans. What’s more, this pain can often be accompanied by coexisting mental health conditions. When left untreated or unrelieved, chronic pain can contribute to depression, anxiety, poor sleep patterns, decreased quality of life and substance use disorder—making it a risk factor for suicide.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, obtaining written informed consent is mandated for long-term opioid painkiller prescriptions. Written informed consent is a process where a veteran or their caregiver receives a summary of the risks, benefits and alternative treatments and is given the chance to ask questions before having the prescription filled. This approach represents a cornerstone of ethical medical practice that empowers veterans and fundamentally can improve health outcomes. However, this practice doesn’t extend to all high-risk medications.

“Every day, veterans are prescribed high-risk medications. Veterans deserve clear answers on treatment alternatives to ensure they aren’t facing worsening health outcomes in their search for relief,” said DAV National Legislative Director Jon Retzer.

Currently, the protocol for obtaining written informed consent only extends to long-term use of opioids, but the Written Informed Consent Act (H.R 4837/S. 3314) aims to expand this practice for antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, narcotics and other medications with significant risks and side effects.

“America’s veterans put their lives on the line in defense of our nation and our freedoms. It’s our job in D.C. to ensure they have the information, support and care they need to thrive and prosper when they return home,” said Sen. Tim Sheehy, who introduced S. 3314. “This bill is a commonsense step toward empowering veterans to make informed decisions about their own medical care, and I’m proud to be leading it in the Senate.”

This legislation aims to enhance patient rights and safety by ensuring that veterans are fully informed about the medications they’re prescribed, particularly those with high risks and potential for significant side effects.

“Veterans deserve to be fully informed about the medications they take, especially those with potentially dangerous side effects,” Retzer said. “When veterans understand the full spectrum of potential outcomes, they can weigh these against their personal values and treatment goals to make the most informed decision possible for their own personal health care needs.”

To take action on this and other key veterans legislation, join DAV CAN (Commander’s Action Network) at davcan.org.