(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

While the acronym might have been a bit of a stretch, the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) for Veterans Act is still a long-overdue piece of legislation, introduced last week by U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.

Given all this country — and particularly our region — has been through because of the substance abuse epidemic, it is a bit of a surprise no one has worked toward such a measure for those who have served. This one would expand veteran access to non-opioid alternatives by creating pathways for Food and Drug Administration-approved non-opioid treatments to be included in the Veterans Affairs National Formulary.

“Our veterans deserve the very best care we can provide, including safe and effective options to manage pain without exposing them to unnecessary risk,” Capito said. “By ensuring FDA-approved non-opioid treatments are included on the VA National Formulary, our legislation will make these alternatives easier to prescribe and easier for veterans to access.”

U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., and a host of other Republicans, Democrats and Independents have signed on as cosponsors.

If the name of the bill sounds familiar, a version of the NOPAIN Act was signed into law in 2022 for Medicare enrollees. Surely lawmakers will have no trouble making the same improvements for our veterans who get their prescriptions at Veterans Affairs facilities.

It is a worthwhile effort, and an important reminder that members of Congress CAN work across the aisle when the mood suits them.

This one is easy (and, again, should become law quickly). Let’s see them all work together in the same spirit on a matter that carries just a smidge more political risk.