To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish an opioid antagonist to a veteran without requiring a prescription or copayment.
Summary
H.R. 5999 aims to amend Title 38 of the United States Code, directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide opioid antagonists to veterans without requiring a prescription or copayment. This bill intends to increase access to life-saving medication for veterans at risk of opioid overdose. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Conaway and Ms. Morrison and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would ensure that veterans have easier access to opioid antagonists like naloxone. This would remove financial and procedural barriers, potentially reducing opioid overdose deaths among veterans. It would also amend existing sections of Title 38 to reflect this change.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to opioid antagonists for veterans.
- Reduced financial burden on veterans needing opioid antagonists.
- Potential decrease in opioid overdose fatalities among veterans.
- Streamlined process for obtaining opioid antagonists through the VA.
- Improved public health outcomes within the veteran population.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in costs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Possible need for increased staffing or resources to manage distribution.
- Risk of misuse or diversion of opioid antagonists.
- Limited impact if veterans are not educated on proper usage.
- Potential for moral hazard if veterans feel less cautious about opioid use.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it seeks to improve the health and well-being of veterans. Specifically, it falls under Congress's power to provide for the common defense and general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, which includes providing for veterans' healthcare.
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).