Drug monitoring bill passes in Missouri House, moves on to Senate

The state of Missouri could be one step closer to having a prescription drug monitoring program after the House approved a bill Monday.

Right now, Missouri is the only state without a prescription drug monitoring program.

Lawmakers voted 102-54 on House Bill 90, or the Narcotics Control Act.

Under the bill, doctors and pharmacists could see when patients are prescribed and receive medications.

Bill sponsor Rep. Holly Rehder (R)-Sikeston said the goal is to prevent addictions and block doctor shopping, when patients go from doctor to doctor for prescriptions.

Some opponents in Missouri have cited invasion of privacy concerns with the proposed database of patient prescriptions.

The bill will now be heard in the Senate.