Prescribing Controlled Substances

Registration to access CURES 2.0 is simple and fully automated. 

The Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) tracks prescription information of Schedule II - Schedule IV controlled substances through an online database to help fight prescription drug abuse and trafficking. Some of the information required to be submitted to PDMP/CURES by prescribers and pharmacists includes: patient name, birthdate, prescriber name, prescription information and name of the dispensing pharmacy.

CURES applicants must complete the online registration form and provide a valid email address, optometric license number, and DEA registration certificate number. DOJ will validate your registration information with the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Please keep in mind that in order to obtain or retain your authority to prescribe codeine and hydrocodone combination products and tramadol you must register for CURES.

Required CURES Prescription Dispensing Consultation:

Prescribers must consult CURES before administering controlled substances. For more details on consulting and exemptions to this rule, visit: https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/pdmp/cures-mandatory-use.pdf

Reporting Controlled Substance Prescription:

The dispensing of a controlled substance must be reported to CURES within one working day after the medication is released to the patient or the patient’s representative. 

Frequently asked questions about PDMP/CURES are at: https://oag.ca.gov/cures/faqs 

Prescriptions for all controlled substances covered under Medicare Part D must be transmitted electronically beginning on January 1, 2021, with a few exceptions.