Written Informed Consent Act
Summary
The Written Informed Consent Act directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expand VHA Directive 1005 regarding informed consent for long-term opioid therapy to include antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics. This expansion aims to ensure veterans are fully informed about the potential risks and benefits of these medications. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Bilirakis and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Expected Effects
The bill will require the Department of Veterans Affairs to update its informed consent procedures for the specified medications. This change will mandate that veterans receive comprehensive information before starting these medications. The goal is to promote patient autonomy and shared decision-making in healthcare.
Potential Benefits
- Increased patient autonomy and informed decision-making for veterans.
- Improved understanding of medication risks and benefits.
- Potential reduction in adverse drug events.
- Enhanced trust between veterans and healthcare providers.
- Greater transparency in medication management within the VHA.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on the VA to update and implement the new directive.
- Possible delays in medication initiation due to the expanded consent process.
- Increased workload for healthcare providers to provide detailed medication information.
- Risk of overwhelming patients with information, leading to confusion or anxiety.
- Potential for increased healthcare costs associated with additional counseling and documentation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution by promoting the general welfare of veterans, as outlined in the Preamble. Congress has the power to legislate for the armed forces and veterans under Article I, Section 8, which grants the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The bill does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).