The California Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) -- known as Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) -- has been upgraded in conjunction with Senate Bill 809 and California Health & Safety Code §11165.1. This new database system will have a stable funding source to allow for increased traffic for all practitioners authorized to prescribe, dispense, or furnish Schedule II, III, or IV controlled substances. CURES 2.0 is viewed as a strengthened tool to combat prescription drug abuse.
It was rolled out on July 1, 2015, with the recommendation that all prescribing, dispensing, or furnishing practitioners register for CURES 2.0 as soon as possible.
Remember, along with using the CURES program, it is important that all patients prescribed a control substance have a signed narcotics contract included in their chart.
For sample narcotic contracts, click the links below.
By Dona Constantine, RN
Senior Risk Management & Patient Safety Specialist
If you have questions about this article, please contact us. This information should not be considered legal advice applicable to a specific situation. Legal guidance for individual matters should be obtained from a retained attorney.