Missouri starts prescription drug monitoring program

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri’s statewide prescription drug monitoring program started Wednesday, according to a press release from the Missouri Office of Administration.

According to the release, the PDMP aims to reduce abuse and misuse of drugs, such as opioids, by making dispensation information for substances available to prescribers, dispensers and health care providers. 

Now, pharmacies in Missouri are required to submit information to the PDMP when they dispense any prescribed Schedule 2, 3 or 4 drugs to patients.

The program was established in 2021 with the signing of Senate Bill 63, according to the release and a report from the Associated Press.

After bill was passed, the Missouri Joint Oversight Task Force for Prescription Drug Monitoring was created, the release states. The JOTF oversees the collection and use of patient dispensation information submitted to the PDMP.

According to the release, 75 jurisdictions in the state opted to provide drug information to the PDMP operated within the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. The St. Louis County PDMP will end operations.