Do you believe that the national CMOP remains the preferred model for acquiring pharmaceutical supplies and services?

Clinical decisions need to predominate throughout the VA.

We are a democracy. This should be done out in the sunshine.

The goal of today's hearing is to determine whether the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is meeting the pharmaceutical needs of our veterans.

VA's proper management of the formulary system is vital to ensuring our veterans receive the highest quality of care and access to the most up-to-date medications they deserve.

I also have concerns about patient safety and whether we are doing enough to prevent adverse drug events.

I have heard from veterans who have voiced their frustration with the VA national formulary as being too restrictive.

Once again, I would like to thank the panelists. They have been very helpful.

Doctor, in your testimony you noted that the FDA and VA signed an interagency agreement allowing FDA to provide funds to the VA to work on safety issues of mutual interest.

Is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Meeting the Pharmaceutical Needs of Veterans?

[t]he bill would establish a caregiver program to help family and non-family members who provide care for disabled, ill, or injured veterans.