Gov. Mike Parson has signed a critical piece of legislation creating a statewide prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). Until now, Missouri had been the only state in the nation without a statewide PDMP, which allows medical professionals to view what prescriptions their patients have been taking before they prescribe. Having access to this information empowers doctors to detect drug abuse early and provide appropriate care for patients at risk of substance use disorder.
“This is a big step forward for Missouri and finally puts this longstanding issue to rest. Having a statewide PDMP will help physicians and pharmacists identify patients who pill shop — and help stop the abuse that impacts so many Missouri families and workplaces,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber President and CEO. “This legislation will help prevent deaths and address cycles of addiction in our state. Substance use disorder impacts Missouri employers directly. It impacts productivity, safety and morale at work. It also drives up employer-paid prescription costs. We thank Gov. Parson for signing this into law and bill sponsor Sen. Holly Rehder on her years of leadership and commitment to this issue.”