More Oversight Of Drug Prescriptions On tap At Capitol

ST. PAUL (AP) - Legislation to tighten how the state tracks prescriptions for painkillers and other drugs is winding through Minnesota's Legislature.

Minnesota's Prescription Monitoring Program is a database of controlled substances prescribed throughout the state. Many states use the programs to help curb "doctor shopping" for painkillers.

A bill passed by the House Monday requires all Minnesota doctors, pharmacists and dentists to sign up for the system following passage in the Senate last week. The program has been in place since 2010, but less than a third of eligible doctors have registered.

Rep. Dave Baker's son died from an opioid overdose in 2011. The Willmar Republican says his bill is a small step in the right direction.