Kaine calls for better control of opioids at VA

Sen Tim Kaine is joining 12 other senators to introduce legislation to improve pain management services at Veterans Administration hospitals with measures to avoid abuse of opioids.

“As I travel around Virginia, I hear from families, employers, and first responders about the harmful impacts of opioid abuse,” Kaine said.  “We need to embrace a comprehensive approach to fighting this epidemic, and one important step is to prevent the over-prescription of pain medication – including opioids. I’m particularly troubled by reports of opioid over-medication for our veterans who are struggling with pain management.”

It’s an issue that already led Kaine to introduce a bill to protect trained first responders, health professionals and family members when they administer an opioid overdose prevention drug in an emergency situation of overdose. He’s also introduce a bill on U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of new opioid drugs, to ensure that it listens to expert concerns when new and potentially dangerous opioid medications are considered.

The new bill requires stronger opioid prescribing guidelines for VA providers. including stricter standards against prescribing dangerous combinations of opioids with other drugs and for prescribing opioids to patients struggling with mental health issues. It also seeks to promote better coordination and communication within the VA. and would require internal audits and regular review by the Government Accountability Office and Congress.

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