Senator switches position on prescription drug monitoring program

One of the biggest opponents of a statewide prescription drug monitoring program announced Tuesday that he is now supporting the measure.

Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-Buchanan is now backing HB 90, a measure that he has fought for nearly five years.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, said that she was speechless at the unexpected shift.

Schaaf said he ultimately changed his mind amid strong support for the bill this session in both the Legislature and the governor’s office.

The senator of six years also said he wants to attach an amendment to the bill that would require the use of the prescription drug monitoring program by physicians and stipulate that failure to do so would constitute medical malpractice.

The Narcotics Control Act has been referred to the Senate Public Safety Committee.