Jackie Walorski: “Our country is in the midst of a prescription drug epidemic. Fifty Americans die each day from prescription drug…”

“Our country is in the midst of a prescription drug epidemic. Fifty Americans die each day from prescription drug overdoses. The epidemic is also affecting our Nation's veterans, who, in some VA facilities, are being overprescribed medications. To combat this growing problem, my home State of Indiana and others have created statewide databases that collect data on medications prescribed to patients. It requires doctors and nurses to check patient records in the database before prescribing painkillers. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, VA facilities are not required by law to participate and have been known to overprescribe powerful medications. Today, I introduced legislation requiring all Veteran Administration Medical Centers to participate in their corresponding statewide drug monitoring program. Requiring VA facilities to comply will help ensure that veterans are not being overprescribed powerful pain medication. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I take the well-being of each Hoosier veteran very seriously, and they deserve high-quality health care. I also want to thank Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller for his commitment to fighting this epidemic in our State. ____________________”