Missouri House members have endorsed the creation of a government database to track people's prescription drug purchases.
Lawmakers for years have debated the idea, and Missouri now is the only state without legislation to create the database.
Sponsoring House member Kevin Engler says setting up a database can help prevent overdose deaths. One opponent voiced concerns about the potential for data breaches and government overreach.
Under the proposal, pharmacies would submit the identity of patients receiving medicine as well as the drug's quantity, the date and other details. Data could be given to doctors and law officers who have subpoenas.
House members endorsed the legislation by voice vote Tuesday. It needs a second affirmative vote before moving to the state Senate.
