Baird introduces VA DROP Act in Congress

Thursday, October 24, 2019
Jim Baird

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) has introduced federal legislation to assist veterans’ medical facilities in properly disposing of opioids and other controlled substance medications.

The Baird-sponsored VA DROP Act (H.R. 4817) directs the secretary of the Veterans Administration to ensure that certain Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities have physical locations for disposal of controlled substance medications.

“This common sense legislation provides for the secure disposal of controlled substances by creating a safe, anonymous and continuously available way for veterans to easily dispose of unwanted medications,” Congressman Baird said.

“VA patients are at a significantly higher risk to suffer from an opioid-use disorder than the general public,” Baird, a Vietnam War veteran, added. “I’m proud Indiana’s Roudebush VA Hospital has led on this effort and is the model for this legislative proposal.”

The VA DROP Act ensures covered VA medical facilities, with an on-site pharmacy or with a law enforcement officer present to monitor the disposal location, will be charged with having a physical location for disposal of the controlled substance medications.

Congressman Baird represents Indiana’s 4th Congressional District. A lifelong Hoosier, he serves as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

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