Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System
CURES stands for Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System and is California's way of monitoring controlled substance use and prescribing. Under California law (Health and Safety Code Section 11165.1) all California-licensed healthcare providers authorized to prescribe Schedule II, II, and IV controlled substances are to register for access to CURES upon issuance of a DEA certification.
Beginning January 1, 2021, California requires that all paper prescriptions for controlled substances have 15 security elements, including a 12-digit serial number and corresponding barcode for tracking. Authorized printers for these prescription pads can be found at the DOJ's California Security Prescription Printers Program. This new law does not apply to electronic prescribing or prescribing of non-controlled substances. General CURES information can be found here.
What if I don't prescribe controlled substances or have a DEA number? Then any CURES criteria does not apply to you.
What if I prescribe testosterone? Then you must comply with the new CURES criteria if you write paper prescriptions for testosterone.