VA Takes Steps To Curb Pain-Killer Abuse

The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a program aimed at minimizing the risks associated with high use of opioid pain killers. Under VA’s Opioid Therapy Risk Report, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)’s 2,000 primary-care providers will have access to complete information regarding dosages of medications that contain narcotics. Since VA began monitoring opioid use more closely two years ago, fewer patients are using them. As such, related overdoses, adverse medial reactions and mental-health issues are expected to decline, while patients still would benefit from more effective pain-mitigation protocols.