The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued an announcement certifying CURES is ready for statewide use as of April 2, 2018. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 11165.4(e), beginning Oct. 2, 2018, certain health care practitioners must consult CURES before prescribing a Schedule II, III or IV controlled substance:

•       for the first time, and
•       at least every four months thereafter, if the controlled substance remains part of the patient’s treatment plan.

The requirement to consult CURES applies to health care practitioners who are authorized to prescribe, order, administer or furnish controlled substances, including:

•       registered certified nurse midwives (furnishing)
•       registered nurse practitioners (furnishing)
•       dentists
•       physicians
•       naturopathic doctors
•       optometrists
•       osteopathic doctors
•       physician assistants
•       podiatrists

The requirement does not apply to pharmacists or veterinarians.

The Board of Registered Nursing has created a CURES webpage with information and resources to help prescribers comply with the new requirement: www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/cures.shtml 

The BRN has also created a flyer that discusses when prescribers must consult CURES and exemptions to the requirement: www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/cures_flyer.pdf

The DOJ provides information about CURES registration, user guides and frequently asked questions at www.oag.ca.gov/cures. For questions about CURES or training requests, contact DOJ staff at CURES@doj.ca.gov or (916) 210-3187.

Thank you,
California Board of Registered Nursing

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe from this email list please click on the link below and follow the instructions on the web page.

https://www.dca.ca.gov/webapps/rn/subscribe.php