HR0016 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0016 LRB100 00092 MJP 10096 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Many veterans in Illinois and across this nation rely on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and VA facilities for their prescription medication needs; and

WHEREAS, Veterans often receive their VA prescription medications by mail but may not be able to receive a refill at their local pharmacy or VA facility; and

WHEREAS, In emergency situations, having veterans wait for a prescription to arrive by mail can be unreasonable and pose health risks; and

WHEREAS, VA health care systems, including the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System and VA New Jersey Health Care System, have established emergency prescription refill programs whereby veterans that are out or almost out of medications may fill their VA prescription at certain national pharmacy chains; and

WHEREAS, There is a need for a change in federal policy to ensure veterans have greater access to their VA prescribed medications in emergency situations; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge Congress to pass legislation in support of the establishment of VA emergency prescription refill programs nationwide to ensure that, in emergency situations, veterans may receive medication directly from their local pharmacy and VA facility including, but not limited to, VA medical centers, VA outpatient clinics, and VA community-based outpatient clinics; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the members of the Illinois congressional delegation.