Keating’s Bill Addresses Veteran’s Opioid Abuse

Congressman William Keating of Massachusetts is pushing legislation that would require all doctors in the Veterans Administration system to undergo pain medication education to lessen the over-prescribing of medication for seriously injured veterans.

The over-prescribing of medication can lead to opioid abuse and overdoses.

Keating says he's filing the "Safe Prescribing for Veterans" Act this week. He tells WBSM News, only 14 states currently require pain management education for doctors in the V-A system.

"What this bill does is requires doctors to include that in their education, so that they can spot early signs of opioid abuse, and they know the latest in medical treatments."

Keating's bill requires doctors to receive such education every year.  Keating unveiled the bill during a news conference Tuesday at a hospital in Plymouth.