Baldwin To Propose Bill Addressing Opioid Prescription Within VA

​Sen. Tammy Baldwin will soon be introducing legislation to better manage opioid prescriptions within the Department of Veterans Affairs and cut down on addiction among veterans.

Baldwin is naming the bill in honor of Jason Simcakoski, a Marine veteran who died at the Tomah VA Hospital after he was given a lethal cocktail of pills.

The bill would create stronger opioid prescription guidelines, like requiring education for prescribers and tracking prescriptions in real time. Baldwin also wants to increase patient advocacy and put more money toward wellness programs.

“Pain management is a real and serious issue. You need to have treatments that complement the use of medications, as well as alternatives in as many cases as possible,” said Baldwin.

Baldwin said some provisions in the bill address accountability at the VA, like having the VA communicate with state licensing boards when a problem surfaces with a provider.

Since the Tomah VA has come under fire for veterans’ deaths and questionable prescription practices, several administrators have been placed on paid leave or reassigned, but no one has lost their job.