New Missouri initiative to target opioid over-prescription

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. � Missouri�s governor has announced a new initiative to crack down on opioid over-prescription in the state.

In a news release Monday, Gov. Eric Greitens said Medicaid providers who did not follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for opioid prescriptions would be warned twice. They then would be referred to the state Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and state licensing boards, which could revoke their licenses.

A spokesman for the governor said providers currently are given more opportunities to reform their practices.

The release also states increased cooperation between the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Health and Senior Services will improve enforcement in the state.