Mo. bill would require prescriptions for Sudafed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A doctor's visit and a prescription would be needed for many cold medicines under a Missouri bill aimed at targeting methamphetamine production.

A Senate committee was scheduled to hear testimony on the bill Monday night.

Supporters say the move would prevent criminals from buying up hundreds of pseudoephedrine-based pills, which can be converted into meth.

People already are limited in the amount of pseudoephedrine they can buy and must sign a log book each time they buy the medicine. Lawmakers authorized an electronic monitoring system last year but did not fund it.

Critics of the prescription bill say it would increase waiting times and costs for patients who need only basic medical care.