We’re encouraged that the Missouri Legislature finally appears to be open to passing a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) for our state.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Abuse of opiate painkillers has become an epidemic that’s causing an increasing number of deaths. This program would save lives by helping to ensure only people who need the drugs would get them.
Missouri has the distinction of being the only state in the U.S. that does not have a PDMP. For years, legislation creating such a program has been introduced, only to fail by the end of the session. One of the biggest barriers to passing the program was previous Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph. But Schaaf is no longer in the Senate, thanks to term limits.
He and other opponents have argued the program is an invasion of privacy. We counter that privacy concerns can be minimized, and that it’s a small inconvenience for something that will save lives.
Also adding weight to efforts to pass the measure is support from Gov. Mike Parson.
Discussing the opioid epidemic in St. Louis in December 2018, Parson said the program was “long overdue,” according to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch story.
Lawmakers seem more receptive to the bill this year, and it’s making good progress. On Monday, the House passed a PDMP bill by a vote of 103-53.
In the absence of such a statewide program, other similar steps have been taken, but none that would be nearly as effective as a statewide PDMP.
We commend House members for passing the bill, and we encourage senators to follow their lead.
News Tribune