Springfield closer to prescription-drug monitoring program

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Springfield is moving closer to starting a local prescription-drug monitoring program.

The Springfield News- Leader reported a city council committee decided Tuesday to let the full council vote on a bill that would create the program. The ordinance would add the city to a group of more than two dozen jurisdictions in Missouri that have decided to take control without the help of the state.

Missouri is the only place in the country without statewide prescription-drug tracking.

Clay Goddard is the assistant director of health at the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. Goddard said the program is meant to prevent people intending to abuse prescription medication from "doctor shopping."

He said the ordinance would help "reduce opioid misuse, save lives and reduce crime."

Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com