As discussions about the need for a prescription drug-monitoring program (PDMP) continue, advocates are urging the Legislature to pass a comprehensive statewide program.
"Without a statewide PDMP, Missouri is an addict's playground," said Chad Sabora, a St. Louis business owner, during Thursday's hearing in the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee.
Sen. Dave Shatz, R-Sullivan, and Sen. Jill Schupp, D-St.Louis, have teamed up to sponsor joint legislation that would implement a statewide PDMP. The bills passed the committee with no opposition and will be read and debated on the Senate floor.
During the hearing, Anita Jurkowski, a Mid-Missouri substance abuse preventionist, shared testimony that three of her own five children have suffered from opioid addiction.
She explained her eldest son became addicted after being prescribed opioids for chronic pain, another son became addicted after serving in the military and being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and for 10 years her daughter suffered from drug addiction after the death of her father.
"As long as we hold out, we're responsible for the people in Missouri who doctor shop," Jurkowski said. "In some instances, people are driving into Missouri to doctor shop; and as long as they have a path to the pills, we won't see a change in the level of opioid-related deaths."
Legislation pertaining to a statewide PDMP has been circling the General Assembly for the past five years, and advocates are past ready to make it happen with or without a state law.
So far, nine Missouri counties have passed ordinances to subscribe to the St. Louis County PDMP, which is leading the movement toward holding health care professionals accountable for access to prescription pills.
"This isn't a tool for law enforcement. This is a tool for the medical society to better serve their patients," Jason Grellner, president of the Missouri Narcotics Officer Association, said.
This story was updated Oct. 23, 2019, to correct the name of a person who testified in the hearing.