The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced plans to launch an upgrade to the state's prescription drug monitoring program database, the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). Beginning January 8, 2016, the upgraded prescription drug monitoring system – commonly referred to as “CURES 2.0” – will be available to all users in compliance with the system’s security requirements.

This upgraded database promises 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.

The final roll-out was delayed six months while DOJ and the Department of Consumer Affairs worked with the California Medical Association over its concerns with browser requirements that could have potentially cut off access for thousands of prescribers and dispensers.

With the launch of CURES 2.0 on January 8, physicians still using older browsers will be routed to the old CURES 1.0 interface, which will remain available for an indeterminate period during the transition.

Also beginning January 8, 2016, a streamlined registration process will be implemented for new users. This fully-automated process will enable licensed health care prescribers and pharmacists to request access to CURES and validate their credentials entirely online using a secure web 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 no later than July 1, 2016. To register using the new automated system, visit http://oag.ca.gov/cures. An FAQ is also available at https://oag.ca.gov/cures/faqs.

Physicians who experience problems with the new system are encouraged to contact CMA’s member help line at (800) 786-4262 or email memberservice@cmadocs.org.