Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) CURES 2.0 Soft Launch and Phas...

1. Prescription Drug Monitoring Program | State of California -
Department of Justice
Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) CURES 2.0 Soft Launch
and Phased Rollout
June 30, 2015
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) are pleased to
announce that the states new Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System
commonly referred to as CURES 2.0 will go live on July 1, 2015. This upgraded prescription drug
monitoring program features a variety of performance improvements and added functionality.
In order to ensure a smooth transition from the current system, CURES 2.0 will be rolled out to
users in phases over the next several months, beginning with early adoption by a select group of
users who currently use CURES and meet the CURES 2.0 security standards, including minimum
browser specifications.** DOJ is currently identifying prescribers and dispensers who meet these
criteria and will contact and coordinate their enrollment into CURES 2.0. For all other current users,
access to CURES 1.0 will not change and no action is needed at this time. For users and entities not
currently enrolled in CURES, further notification will be provided in August as to the
enrollment/registration process.
Practitioners and health systems should begin to prepare for universal adoption of the system by
January 2016, at which point all users will be required to meet CURES 2.0s security standards. If
you have any questions please contact cures@doj.ca.gov.
Thank you for your continued support of the CURES program.
**CURES 2.0 users will be required to use Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 11.0 or greater,
Mozilla FireFox, Google Chrome, or Safari when accessing the system.
CURES Contact Information: cures@doj.ca.gov or (916) 227-3843
The Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) is a database
containing information on Schedule II through IV controlled substances dispensed in California. It is
a valuable investigative, preventive, and educational tool for the healthcare community, regulatory
boards, and law enforcement.
The California Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) maintains the CURES database. The
PDMP allows authorized users, including licensed healthcare prescribers eligible to prescribe
controlled substances, pharmacists authorized to dispense controlled substances, law enforcement,
and regulatory boards, to access patient controlled substance history information maintained in
CURES. The PDMP is committed to assisting in the reduction of pharmaceutical drug diversion
without affecting legitimate medical practice or patient care.
Through online access to CURES, authorized prescribers and pharmacists can quickly review
information via Patient Activity Reports (PAR) in an effort to identify and deter drug abuse and

2. diversion through accurate and rapid tracking of Schedule II through IV controlled substances. In
2014, over 3.5 million PAR requests were processed.
To obtain access to CURES, prescribers and pharmacists must: (1) submit an application form
electronically; and (2) mail a notarized copy of their printed and signed Application Confirmation,
along with copies of the following supporting documents: Drug Enforcement Administration
registration certificate (prescribers only), medical or pharmacist license, and a government-issued
photo identification. Applicants can email their complete CURES application packet to
pmp@doj.ca.gov or mail by standard U.S. mail to:
California Department of Justice
PDMP/CURES
P.O. Box 160447
Sacramento, CA 95816
The Department of Justice (DOJ) limits access to and dissemination of CURES information to
licensed prescribers, licensed pharmacists, law enforcement personnel, and regulatory board
personnel strictly for patient care or official investigatory/regulatory purposes. The DOJ pursues
regulatory and/or criminal sanctions for misuse of CURES information.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1966 (HIPAA) and all confidentiality and
disclosure provisions of California law cover the information contained in CURES. All users must
comply with HIPAA Privacy Rule Requirements when using CURES.
Submission of Controlled Substance Data
California Health & Safety Code Section 11165(d) requires dispensing pharmacies, clinics, or other
dispensers of Schedule II through IV controlled substances to provide specified dispensing
information to the DOJ on a weekly basis in a format approved and accepted by the DOJ. Currently,
the ASAP 2009 Version 4.1 format is accepted.

3. Direct Dispense Reporting Application
The DOJ, in coordination with Atlantic Associates, Inc. (AAI), allows direct dispense prescribers and
entities, including pharmacies filling less than 25 prescriptions per month, to electronically report
dispensing data to the DOJ. The direct dispense application can be accessed on the Direct Dispense
website located at www.aaicures.com. Also available at this website are instructions on how to apply
for an account and submit dispense data. Please note that the DOJ no longer accepts paper direct
dispense reports.
To access the secured direct dispense site, dispensers must first complete the application at
http://aaicures.com/register.for.access.php. Once an application has been submitted, an email
confirmation from AAI will provide approved users with a username and temporary password. If an
email confirmation is not received within 48 hours of submitting the application, please contact AAI
at CACures@aainh.com or (800) 539-3370.
For additional information concerning controlled substance prescription data reporting, please
contact AAI at CACures@aainh.com or (800) 539-3370.
Prescription Forms (For Prescribers)Obtain Security Prescription Forms
California law requires prescribers of any Schedule II through V controlled substance to obtain and
use tamper-resistant prescription forms ordered only from state-approved security printers. To order
tamper-resistant prescription forms, please refer to the Approved List of Security Prescription
Printers for vendors authorized by the DOJ and their contact information.
Report Lost or Stolen Prescription Forms
Reports of lost or stolen prescription forms or pads must be reported to local law enforcement and
the PDMP. Users registered with CURES can href="https://pmp.doj.ca.gov/pdmp/index.do"
target="_blank">electronically report their lost or stolen prescription forms or pads online when

4. logged into their CURES account. A law enforcement agency report number is required when
submitting a report of lost or stolen prescription forms to the PDMP.
For questions concerning how to report lost or stolen prescription pads or forms, please contact the
Security Prescription Printer Program at SecurityPrinter@doj.ca.gov.