St. Louis County, MO  (KTRS)  Missouri is no longer the lone state without a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

During his visit to Express Scripts in North St. Louis County on Monday, Governor Eric Greitens signed an executive order to establish a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

“We have to look this problem square in the eye and the fact is opioids are a modern plague.” Greitens said before Express Scripts staff and families impacted by the opioid crisis.

“This program will not fix the program, but without this program, the problem can not be fixed.” Greitens added.

Under the plan, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will enter into contracts with Express Scripts and other pharmacy benefits companies to create and monitor the database. The state is also in talks with United Healthcare and CVS to partner with this program.

The estimated start up cost for the program is $250,000 and is being funded by the state.

The Governor’s action comes after the Missouri Legislature failed to pass a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program this past session.

The Governor will hold events throughout the state this week as part of an effort to address the opioid problem in Missouri.