# VA Strengthens Informed Consent Requirements

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing enhanced informed consent requirements for prescribing psychotropic medications, effective in 2027. This policy mandates patient education and signature consent specifically for drug categories including opioids combined with benzodiazepines and antidepressants prescribed to Veterans under 30 years old. The new requirements will necessitate VA staff training, updates to clinical procedures, and potentially the procurement of educational materials and compliance monitoring systems to support adherence across VA healthcare facilities.

- Procurement professionals should anticipate increased demand for training services tailored to VA clinical staff on the updated informed consent protocols.
- Opportunities may arise for vendors providing educational content, digital consent management tools, and compliance monitoring solutions aligned with VA healthcare standards.
- This policy underscores the VA's commitment to transparency and patient engagement, signaling a strategic focus on enhancing healthcare delivery through improved consent processes.
- Organizations serving the VA healthcare system should prepare for contract solicitations related to training, educational materials, and IT systems to support these new requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 29, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Office of Media Relations

### Key Quotes
> America’s Veterans should get as much information as possible as they are deciding what treatment is best for them.
> — Doug Collins, VA Secretary

### Sources
- [VA moves to strengthen informed consent transparency for Veterans](https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-moves-to-strengthen-informed-consent-transparency-for-veterans/) - VA