Statewide prescription monitoring bill advances to Senate, faces roadblocks

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP)

Missouri is the only state without a statewide database to track prescription opioids, and it's unclear when, or if, that will ever change. Supporters are hopeful this could be the year.

House lawmakers on Monday advanced House Bill 1639 to establish such a system.

State Rep. Holly Rehder introduced the bill. It's the eighth year she's proposed the same legislation. If signed as is, it could go into effect on Aug. 28.

Rehder said on the house floor the same company that manages the St. Louis County PDMP would be used for the statewide program.

Republican Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin said she and other members of the Conservative Caucus are prepared to stand and speak against the bill for hours. She says the measure raises privacy concerns and wonders if it would actually stop overdose deaths.