Effective October 2, 2018, physicians must consult California’s prescription drug monitoring database (the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System, or CURES) – prior to prescribing Schedule II, III or IV controlled substances.

To help physicians understand this new mandate, the California Medical Association (CMA) has prepared a document that answers the most commonly asked questions by physicians. The FAQ, “Frequently Asked Questions about the Duty to Consult the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System” is available free to members only at cmadocs.org/cures.

CMA also recently co-hosted a live CURES webinar with DOJ and the Medical Board of California regarding this new requirement. The webinar provides an overview of the new mandate and the requirements imposed by the law when checking CURES. It also includes an overview of the registration process and key features of the CURES database.

The webinar is available free for on-demand viewing.

For More Information

• Opioid Advocacy Update from CMA President  (Sept. 25, 2018)
• CURES website: oag.ca.gov/cures
• Attorney General CURES FAQ: oag.ca.gov/cures/faqs
• Medical Board CURES webpage: mbc.ca.gov/cures
• CMA CURES webpage
• CMA Safe Prescribing webpage