PDMP Passes House

A bill that would establish a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) passed the Missouri House this week by a vote of 98-56. Under HB 1693, sponsored by Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston), a pharmacist must send prescription and patient information to the Department of Health and Senior Services for any controlled substance issued to a patient within 24 hours. The information will be confidential.

Missouri is the only state that doesn't have a PDMP. Currently, St. Louis County has a drug monitoring program that covers about 80% of the state. This measure would expand coverage statewide with added protections. Supporters of the bill insisted that a PDMP is the only way to prevent people from shopping around for doctors to fill their narcotic prescriptions. Opponents voiced concerns about privacy and that a PDMP could push users to seek more dangerous drugs like heroin and fentanyl.

The bill now moves to the Senate where it will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee.