The Department of Justice (DOJ) has certified California’s Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). Effective October 2, 2018, it will become mandatory for all health care practitioners to consult and review the CURES 2.0 system prior to prescribing, ordering, administering, or furnishing a Schedule II-IV controlled substance.
The law also requires a healthcare practitioner to check the CURES system when prescribing a Schedule II-IV medication for the first time at least once every four months thereafter; if the medication remains part of the patient’s treatment plan. Prescribers will also be required to obtain and use tamper-resistant prescription forms ordered only from state-approved security printer.
A health care practitioner who fails to consult the CURES database must be referred to their state professional licensing board for administrative sanctions, as deemed appropriate by that board.
The Medical Board of California has released the Cures 2.0 Mandatory Use Flyer. It provides further information on everything you need to know in preparation for October, including exemptions and what to do in the case of technical difficulties.
To register for CURES 2.0, click here.
To view the Cures 2.0 Mandatory use Flyer, click here.
Authored by Kimberly Danebrock, JD, RN, CPPS
Cooperative of American Physicians, Risk Management & Patient Safety