A bill aimed at providing safer and more effective pain management services to our nation’s veterans, is headed to President Obama’s desk.
The Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act passed the U.S. Senate Wednesday night.
It was created to tackle the issue of over prescribing pain medications to veterans at VA clinics across the country.
The act is named in memory of Jason Simcakoski, a Marine and Wisconsin native who died in 2014 from mixed drug toxicity under the care of doctors at the Tomah VA.
The bi-partisan bill will strengthen opioid prescribing guidelines, and create stronger oversight and accountability at VA centers.
Congressman Ron Kind, and Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson were all involved in creating the bill.
“This effort has been tough, rewarding, and the Simcakoski family has been absolutely inspirational to me,” said Senator Baldwin.
In a statement, Senator Johnson says the bill will, “Expand resources and tools available to states and communities for prevention and treatment.”
The White House Press Secretary says the President will sign the bill as soon as it reaches his desk.