(Photo: gpointstudio)
Lawmakers have introduced a bill that would change how medications are prescribed to Veterans in an effort to increase transparency and prevent suicides.
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), joined by Reps. Jack Bergman (R-Pa.) and Keith Self (R-TX), introduced H.R. 4837, the Written Informed Consent Act, on August 1. The bill is currently under review by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. If it moves forward, the legislation will require the VA to expand its existing directive on informed consent for opioid therapy to also include antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics.
Supporters say the change will give Veterans a clearer understanding of the risks and side effects tied to psychiatric and pain medications. Prescribers would be required to obtain written informed consent before treatment begins. The goal is to make sure Veterans have the information they need when making decisions about their care.
Advocates say the timing shows how urgent it is to address the ongoing mental health crisis among Veterans. Several Veterans’ organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, have expressed support for the legislation. They argue that Veterans deserve to fully understand their treatment options, including non-medication alternatives, before starting a new prescription.
Researchers have found that suicide rates are highest among Veterans with sedative use disorders at 236.7 per 100,000, while Veterans with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and alcohol use disorders are also at elevated risk. Advocates say requiring informed consent for psychiatric medications is an important safeguard because many of these drugs carry black box warnings related to suicidal thoughts.
The VA reported 6,407 Veteran suicides in 2022, an average of 17.6 per day. The suicide rate among Veterans was 34.7 per 100,000, nearly double the rate of 17.1 per 100,000 for non-Veterans. RAND research shows the suicide rate for male Veterans is 44 percent higher than Women Veterans, while the latter face rates that are 92 percent higher than women who never served. About 74 percent of Veteran suicides involve a firearm.
As the bill moves forward, national programs are continuing to reach Veterans and their families with prevention resources. The American Legion’s Be the One campaign works to give communities the tools to recognize when a Veteran is in crisis and how to respond. The campaign includes free training sessions based on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, which helps people assess suicide risk through six simple questions.
The VA is also expanding awareness through its REACH website, which offers help with career challenges, depression, financial stress, and other struggles. Veterans in crisis or their loved ones can connect with trained responders 24 hours a day through the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting online.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
