One year ago, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) upgraded the state's prescription drug monitoring program database, the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). The upgraded prescription drug monitoring system – commonly referred to as “CURES 2.0” – has a significantly improved user experience and features a number of added functionalities, including the ability to delegate report queries and new practitioner-identified patient alerts.

Because CURES 2.0 requires a secure, up-to-date web browser (i.e., Internet Explorer version 11.0 or higher, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome), physicians still using older browsers have been routed to the old CURES 1.0 interface, which has remained available during the transition. Effective March 5, 2017, however, CURES 1.0 will no longer be available. All remaining 1.0 users must update their web browsers to access CURES 2.0.

Users who have not updated their browsers will no longer be redirected to the old system, but will instead view a message containing information as to why they cannot access the site with an unsecure browser.

Existing CURES 1.0 users do not need to reregister, and will be able to access CURES 2.0 with their current user ID and password if using a supported browser.

All individuals practicing in California who possess both a state regulatory board license authorized to prescribe, dispense, furnish or order controlled substances and a Drug Enforcement Administration Controlled Substance Registration Certificate must be registered to use CURES.

For answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about CURES, please refer to DOJ’s CURES FAQ webpage. CMA has also compiled a list of educational materials and resources on CURES.

Physicians who experience problems should contact the DOJ CURES Help Desk at (916) 227-3843 or cures@doj.ca.gov. Providers are also encouraged to report any technical issues to CMA's member service center at (800) 786-4262 or memberservice@cmadocs.org.