NPs Among Those Subject to Mandatory Consultation of the Database as of October 2

With the April announcement that the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) database is ready for statewide use, mandatory CURES consultation becomes effective October 2 for prescription of Schedule II, III or IV controlled substances.

Practitioners will be required to consult the database to review a patient’s controlled substance history before prescribing to the patient for the first time, and at least once every four months thereafter if the substance remains part of the patient’s treatment.

The requirement applies to health care practitioners who are authorized to prescribe, order, administer or furnish controlled substances. In addition to nurse practitioners, the requirement applies to dentists, physicians, naturopathic doctors, optometrists, osteopathic doctors, physician’s assistants, podiatrists, and certified nurse midwives. Pharmacists and veterinarians are exempted from the requirement.

Although they are not required to consult CURES, pharmacists are using the database regularly to prevent the diversion and abuse of controlled substances. As of March 31, pharmacists made up 24 percent of all health care providers registered to use CURES. Pharmacists also ran 57 percent of all patient activity reports that were reviewed through CURES in March 2018.

The Medical Board of California (MBC) has created a CURES webpage with information and resources to help prescribers comply with the new requirement. The MBC also has created a flyer that discusses when prescribers must consult CURES and exemptions to the requirement. Additional online information is available through the California Department of Justice and the Board of Pharmacy.