Gus M. Bilirakis

07/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/22/2025 11:15

Bilirakis, Ruiz, Welch, Tillis, Gillibrand, Murkowski and Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bills to Eliminate Burn Pits and Help Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits

Washington, D.C.- In a significant step toward enhancing transparency and protecting patient rights within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Congressman Gus Bilirakis has introduced the Written Informed Consent Act. This legislation would require the VA to provide Veterans with clear, written information about the potential side effects of antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics prescribed through the VA healthcare system. Currently, verbal disclosures or limited written information may accompany these prescriptions. The proposed bill mandates a standardized written consent form outlining potential adverse effects, ensuring Veterans are fully informed before medications in these categories are dispensed.

"Our Veterans deserve nothing less than complete transparency when it comes to their health and the medications they're prescribed," said Congressman Bilirakis. "The Written Informed Consent Actwill empower Veterans to make better-informed decisions about their treatment and protect their right to understand the risks involved."

The bill comes in response to rising concerns about adverse drug reactions among Veterans, particularly those coping with chronic or complex health conditions that require multiple medications. Supporters argue that requiring written disclosures promotes informed decision-making and helps mitigate the risk of medication-related harm. Veterans advocacy groups have strongly endorsed the bill, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and accountability in VA healthcare.

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

"Informed Signatory Consent is not just a legal checkbox, it's a moral obligation. Veterans deserve to know exactly what they're being prescribed, what the risks are, and what the alternatives might be. When we remove informed choice, we increase dependency, confusion, and risk of harm. Giving Veterans real consent is one of the most critical and overlooked tools we have in preventing suicide," remarked Tim Jensen, Combat Veteran & Chairman of Grunt Style Foundation.

"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 thanks Congressman Bilirakis for championing legislation that ensures members of the uniformed services, veterans, their families, and caregivers are fully informed before beginning treatment. 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."

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