PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Apr 26, 2016
Safe Prescribing for Veterans Act
This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to require a VA employee (including a temporary full-time, part-time, or without-compensation employee) who is authorized to prescribe any controlled substance to complete at least one accredited continuing education course on pain management every two years.
Such requirement shall:
apply to an employee who is employed by the VA for at least 180 days during any 24-month period; and
not apply to an employee licensed or certified by a state licensure or specialty board that requires the completion of pain management or substance use disorder management continuing education.
Continuing education courses shall include information on safe prescribing practices, controlled substance disposal, pain management principles, and identification of potential substance use disorders and addiction treatment.
People & committees
Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9] · D–MA
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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