Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation for Veterans Act; NOPAIN for Veterans Act
Summary
The NOPAIN for Veterans Act aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides veterans with access to non-opioid pain management medications. This bill mandates the inclusion of non-opioid pain management drugs in the VA's national formulary. It seeks to reduce opioid addiction among veterans by offering alternative pain relief options.
Expected Effects
The bill will require the VA to include non-opioid pain management drugs in its national formulary within a specified timeframe after FDA approval or eligibility for additional payment under the Social Security Act. This will expand the options available to veterans for pain management. The bill also restricts the use of funds from the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund for implementing these changes.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced opioid addiction among veterans.
- Increased access to alternative pain management options.
- Improved quality of life for veterans suffering from pain.
- Streamlined process for including non-opioid drugs in the VA formulary.
- Potential for decreased healthcare costs associated with opioid addiction treatment.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential financial burden on the VA to implement the changes.
- Possible delays in implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on non-opioid pain management.
- Restriction on the use of specific funds may strain other VA programs.
- The effectiveness of non-opioid treatments may vary among individuals.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting the health and well-being of veterans. Congress has the power to legislate for the armed forces, as outlined in Article I, Section 8. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).