“JWV commends the Department of Veterans Affairs for listening to JWV and for implementing the expansion of informed consent through administrative action. Veterans, their families, and caregivers will be better informed about the benefits, side effects, risks, and treatment alternatives. With this enhanced knowledge, adverse reactions and consequences will be avoided,” stated NC Selina Kanowitz, MSgt. USAFR (Ret.). Kanowitz continued, “VA’s action is only a first step toward expanding informed consent beginning in 2027. JWV supports H.R. 4837, the Written Informed Consent Act, as a more comprehensive approach to improving the policy.”

JWV will monitor VA efforts to communicate these new procedures to veterans and to ensure staff training. JWV is proud to stand with more than 28 other veterans service organizations that joined us in supporting these critical changes to VA’s informed consent policy.

JWV’s Long-Standing Support on Informed Consent

For more than two years, JWV has supported H.R. 4837 and urged Congress and the VA to improve and expand informed consent for veterans prescribed certain medications. JWV highlighted the importance of informed consent for veterans during NC Stevens’ meeting with Secretary Collins, in its two most recent Congressional Joint Hearing Testimonies, and at VSOs’ roundtables with VA and congressional staff.