Can a VA medical center ban "control substance" Rx's for all disabled vets using their facility?

2022-06-11T09:46:57-04:00

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 11 at 2022 11:18 AM

2022-06-11T11:18:08-04:00

Can, Should, Legally do so are all different questions.
If you were told by a PA, RN, Doc, ect... individually during an appointment you could not have a controlled pain medication prescription due to a "VA medical center ban" Id suggest you contact the VA center director and confirm or deny that status.
Id bet no such universal all-encompassing "ban" is in place. Though there may be a staff directive to reduce, and limit such Rx's with or without intimidation or threats that some or all docs may be accepting as a defacto ban.
Something like "Medical staff with privileges to prescribe narcotics will move patients to non narcotic therapies whenever possible, Medical staff who continue to prescribe narcotics will have all case charts reviewed weekly by the administrator to ensure no irregularities in charting, prescribing, treatment, or administrative requirements have taken place" would put a chilling effect on any Doc prescribing narcotics for any reason.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 11 at 2022 12:19 PM

2022-06-11T12:19:41-04:00

I know personally that the VA does not authorized sone medications that are issued but outside sources the medications I am familiar with are those that were blessed for one reason and can be used for others without FDA eval.

I recommend the same as my SGM counterpart contact the COC, or even ask your VA physician and or the pharmacy supervisor.

Having t said this mouthful there must be a medication they can provide that is clearly identified for your condition. They will never send you away untreated. Lastly, narcotics or controlled substances are tightly controlled for good reason. If there is ever reason to believe someone if abusing the medication, this too will end issue.

Good luck.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 11 at 2022 10:29 PM

2022-06-11T22:29:55-04:00

In a generic term, they absolutely could NOT ban all controlled substances. People generally focus on narcotics as the only controlled meds but scheduled meds include marinol for appetite, amphetamines, and a variety of other medications outside of narcotics. If someone made this kind of statement they clearly are providing poor education to their patients, much like the poor education that likely lead to the opioid crisis.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 20 at 2022 12:38 PM

2022-06-20T12:38:57-04:00

Why would they?

If the drug is on their Pharmacopia, then they should dispense it as long as the patient has a valid prescription from a Provider with a DEA number. There may be additional Federal, State, and organizational requirements for Providers issuing controlled substance prescriptions. I've found that as long as the prescription has all the correct and required information on it (paper prescription or electronic prescription), then a Military Pharmacy will fill it. The VA should be about the same.