BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)
Veterans are being prescribed psychiatric medications — some with FDA black box warnings — without written documentation outlining risks. The Written Informed Consent Act mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide clear, written information about the purpose, risks, side effects, and alternatives of certain medications before they are administered. This protects veterans’ mental health, improves accountability, and promotes informed treatment decisions.
Issue Summary
Many VA-prescribed psychiatric medications carry black box warnings, the FDA’s highest risk designation.
Veterans with PTSD, depression, and anxiety may be prescribed these drugs without documented consent.
Without written documentation, veterans may lack understanding of serious side effects or withdrawal syndromes.
A ProPublica investigation and internal AFSA surveys highlight alarming gaps in how these medications are explained to patients.
Legislative Solution
H.R. [4837] – Written Informed Consent Act
Lead Sponsors: Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Rep. Keith Self (R-TX)
This bill requires the VA to:
Provide written informed consent for all medications prescribed with FDA black box warnings.
Ensure veterans receive documentation that explains:
Purpose of the medication
Potential side effects
Risk of dependency or withdrawal
Available non-drug or lower-risk alternatives
Improve follow-up care protocols for veterans prescribed these medications
Why This Matters to the Military & Veteran Community
Ensures transparency in VA healthcare and strengthens patient-provider trust.
Promotes mental health safety by preventing unintentional harm tied to misunderstood medications.
Upholds the principle of informed decision-making, consistent with civilian healthcare standards.
Protects the families and caregivers who often support veterans through mental health treatment.
Advances a culture of accountability and autonomy in VA mental health services.
Organizational Support & Stakeholders
Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA) supports the bill to protect enlisted veterans from uninformed psychiatric drug use.
Other supporters include:
The Reserve Organization of America (ROA)
Advocates for mental health reform in VA
Family and caregiver coalitions for post-service support
Congressional champions: Bilirakis, Bergman, and Self — noted for veteran healthcare leadership.
Additional Materials
Letter of Support (for constituent use – see the input box to the right)
ProPublica Investigation: "Three Days of Tragedy"