Wrap: The measure would allow doctors and prescribers to know if their patient is overusing opioid painkillers in an effort to prevent death and abuse of the drugs.

Republican Representative Holly Rehder said the measure would keep opioids out of the hands of problem users.

Opponents said the bill would not effectively deter excessive opioid use.

Missouri is currently the only state in the U.S. to not have a monitoring program in the works.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.

Wrap: The bill would create a database to check the prescription history of Missouri patients.

Republican Representative Rick Brattin cited the 'Show-Me' motto and rising prescription opioid deaths as reasons to not support the measure.

Supporters said the bill would protect the state from 'doctor shopping,' when people visit multiple doctors' offices to receive opioid painkiller prescriptions.

The Senate has been hesitant to pass the measure due to a senator's issue with the privacy of a prescription database.

Reporting from the state Captiol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.

Wrap: The House approved an amendment to require that the monitoring happen in real-time, or almost immediately after filling the prescription.

Republican Representative Lynn Morris said the measure is necessary to curtail opioid abuse quickly and efficiently.

Union Representative Paul Curtman said private pharmacies can build systems to refuse excessive opioid prescriptions, as some already have.

The measure needs one more vote to pass the House. Republican Senator Rob Schaaf has opposed the measure in past sessions due to privacy concerns.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.