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BEATTY: Governor’s order fails to create real drug monitoring program

“We share the governor’s frustration with his fellow Republicans who control the legislature for their continuing failure to address Missouri’s opioid crisis. However, since executive orders have no force of law, the governor cannot simply conjure a prescription drug monitoring program into existence by signing a piece of paper.

“An executive order of this type merely allows the governor to instruct his subordinates to carry out duties authorized by law. It cannot compel action by anyone other than officials at those executive branch agencies under the governor’s direct control. Since establishing a prescription drug database requires the participation of pharmacies and other private parties over whom the governor has no authority, this order is only a public relations stunt that will do nothing to prevent opioid addiction.

“House Democrats believe strongly in creating a real statewide prescription monitoring program, but the only way that can happen is if the legislature enacts a law authorizing one. If the governor sincerely wants to address the opioid crisis, then he should work to convince Republican lawmakers to support the necessary legislation. Empty executive pronouncements just won’t do it.”

House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty
D-Kansas City