Representative Lanzeman urged passage of the No Pain for Veterans Act to allow VA to offer FDA-approved non-opioid pain treatments currently available to private insurance beneficiaries. He said veterans are asking for safer pain-relief options and argued legislative action is needed to update what VA can provide.

Representative Conaway and others asked VA how veterans obtain naloxone and whether naloxone is available without prescription. VA witnesses explained that naloxone is widely available free of charge to veterans through standing orders at pharmacies, distribution at health fairs, and other means; waiving prescription requirements could raise waste and fraud risks without safeguards.

VA cautioned that the No Pain for Veterans Act, "though appreciated in intent," could undermine VA's evidence-based formulary process that evaluates safety, effectiveness and cost. Members urged VA to explain the formulary petition process and timelines; VA said veterans can obtain non-formulary FDA-approved drugs via provider prescription and typically receive them within about 96 hours pending local processes.

The committee discussed balancing timely access to proven non-opioid therapies and preserving evidentiary review through the VA formulary process. Members signaled they would work with VA to reconcile access aims with formulary safeguards.