New requirements begin in 2027

VA announced new informed-consent requirements for veterans prescribed certain psychiatric medications.

Beginning in 2027, VA says veterans will receive more standardized information about risks, benefits, side effects, alternatives, and discontinuation before certain psychotropic medications are prescribed.

What is changing?

VA says the informed-consent process will include clearer discussions about:

Potential benefits and risks, Common and serious side effects, Alternative treatment options, Risks associated with stopping the medication, and How medications should be safely discontinued when appropriate

The goal is to make sure veterans have meaningful information before agreeing to treatment—not simply a prescription.

When will written consent be required?

Two situations will require additional documented consent:

Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing and Antidepressant prescribing for veterans younger than 30

VA says these situations will require the veteran's signature acknowledging informed consent before the medications are prescribed.

Does this mean VA is stopping these medications?

No. VA isn't banning antidepressants, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other psychiatric medications through this policy.

The change is about informed consent and transparency before treatment.

Do I need to do anything?

Not right now. The new requirements begin in 2027, and VA says it will provide additional guidance as implementation moves forward.

If you're currently taking psychiatric medication, don't stop or change it because of this announcement. Some medications can cause significant problems when stopped abruptly.

Why this matters

The important part isn't whether medication is inherently good or bad. It's whether the person taking it understands what they're taking, why they're taking it, the potential risks and benefits, what alternatives exist, and what happens if they eventually want to stop.

That's what informed consent is supposed to mean.

Verify It Yourself

VA — Strengthening Informed Consent and Transparency for Veterans

Announced: September 28, 2026

Implementation begins: 2027

Last verified: October 6, 2026