Editorial Urges VA To Reduce Use of Opiates, Says Overprescribing a Big Concern for Calif.
A Sacramento Bee editorial argues that the Department of Veterans Affairs should ensure that all of its medical centers and clinics are taking the steps necessary to reduce the use of opiates. According to the editorial, "[I]t appears that many doctors and administrators are seeking an easy way out by overprescribing painkillers, endangering the health of people wounded in war." It argues that overprescribing pain medication "is a big issue for California, which has the most veterans of any state -- 2.2 million -- with their ranks growing by an estimated 30,000 a year."
- "Editorial: VA Must Do More To Reduce Painkiller Prescriptions" (Sacramento Bee, 12/5).