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Barb Beaulieu, pharmacy tech and prescription delivery driver for LeFave Pharmacy, is seen preparing for a delivery on Tuesday. Beaulieu said that the pharmacy delivers prescriptions up to a 50-mile radius.

ALPENA — New legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, Gus Bilirakis of Florida, and Keith Self of Texas, is aimed at protecting the rights of veterans.

The trio introduced the Written Informed Consent Act, which aims to improve transparency within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) while protecting the rights of patients, according to a press release from Bergman. The legislation would require the VA to provide patients with clear, written information about the potential side effects of antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics prescribed through the VA health care system.

Currently, verbal disclosures, or limited written information, are not required, according to the press release. The proposed bill will mandate a standardized written consent form that describes potential adverse effects. This will ensure that veterans are fully informed before medications in the aforementioned categories are dispensed.

“The Written Informed Consent Act ensures that before powerful medications are prescribed, Veterans receive clear, written information about the potential side effects,” Bergman said in the release. “Veterans deserve full transparency when it comes to their care. This is about respect, accountability, and empowering Veterans to make informed decisions about their health. It’s a simple, commonsense step toward improving trust and safety within the VA healthcare system.”

According to the release, the proposed bill is a response to rising concerns surrounding adverse drug reactions within the veteran community, particularly among those who are coping with health conditions that require multiple medications.

Those who support the bill argue that mandated written disclosures will promote informed decision-making and help mitigate the risk of medication-related harm. Veteran advocacy groups have also supported the bill, citing the importance of trust, communication, and accountability for veterans within the VA health care system.

Megan Colemean, associate director of National Legislative Services for the VFW, stated in the release that the VFW supports the proposed legislation. Coleman explained that written disclosures are standard medical practices for common procedures and anything that requires anesthesia.

“This legislation is a vital step toward ensuring that Veterans are fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives before starting treatment with these medications — enhancing transparency and empowering Veterans with the knowledge they need to make safe, informed decisions about their health,” Colemean said.

DAV National Legislative Director Joy Ilem said in the release that veterans need to be fully informed about their medications, especially those with potentially dangerous side effects.

“DAV is proud to support the Written Informed Consent Act,” Ilem said in the press release.

Joe Chenelly, AMVETS national executive director, said that AMVETS also supports the legislation to ensure transparency in the VA health care system.

“AMVETS proudly supports this legislation to ensure Veterans prescribed high-risk medications are fully informed before starting treatment,” Ilem said. “Written consent creates a clearer understanding of potential risks and alternatives, and our Veterans deserve that confidence when making decisions about their care.”

“For medications with black box warnings, especially those linked to serious mental health risks, written informed consent is vital,” said Matthew Schwartzman, director of legislation and military policy for the Reserve Organization of America (ROA). “At a time when our nation is facing a growing mental health crisis, often tied to the conditions for which these medications are prescribed, this legislation is a critical step toward supporting resilience, improving outcomes, and protecting those who serve and support our country.”

Christyn Herman, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency public affairs officer, told The news via email that as of 2023, there were 2,306 individuals living in Alpena County with veteran status. In addition to Alpena County, 1,250 people with veteran status live in Presque Isle County, 1,208 live in Alcona County, and 981 live in Montmorency County.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.