I had posted under the Kentucky tread about a similar law in California. To be more precise, I figured I would look up some info. I will try to get more later.
PB

Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement

CURES PROGRAM

In 1940, the Department of Justice (DOJ) created the California Triplicate Prescription Program (TRIPS) which became the oldest, longest-running multiple copy prescription program in the nation. Aimed at reducing prescription drug abuse, the program regulated and monitored the distribution of Schedule II controlled substances through the use of state-issued triplicate prescription forms. Other states adopted similar programs including Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island and Texas.

TRIPS issued serially-numbered triplicate prescription forms to eligible practitioners upon request. The prescriptions were reviewed and analyzed for compliance with state laws and to detect possible illegal diversion of Schedule II substances to illicit markets.

In 1996, the Legislature passed Assembly Bill (AB) 3042, requiring that the California Department of Justice establish the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). CURES was established to automate the collection and analysis of all Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions issued in California.

The Legislature stated that the ability to closely monitor the prescribing and dispensing of Schedule II controlled substances is essential to effectively control the abuse and diversion of these controlled substances. The Schedule II prescription data contained in CURES allows the identification of drug trends or patterns of abuse.

A drug is rated under the California Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Division 10 of the Health & Safety Code as Schedule II based on the following criteria:

The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse
The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions.
Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Morphine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl, Secobarbital, amphetamine, methamphetamine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, cocaine, Piperidine, any analog of phencyclidine, methadone and opium are all examples of Schedule II drugs.

In 2003, Senate Bill (SB) 151, mandated CURES applicable to Schedule III controlled substances if there is adequate funding and provided for the indefinite continuation of the CURES program by deleting its repeal date. Effective January 1, 2005, CURES will begin capturing all prescribed Schedule III substances in addition to Schedule II substances. In addition, all prescriptions for Schedule II-V Controlled Substances shall be written on new tamper-resistant prescription forms which must be obtained from a security vendor approved by the Board of Pharmacy and the Department of Justice. A list of approved security vendors is available on the Board of Pharmacy website at www.pharmacy.ca.gov.

It is the policy of DOJ to provide medical prescribers, pharmacists, and law enforcement with information maintained in CURES to assist with their authorized duties. The medical prescriber or pharmacist may request a Patient Activity Report (PAR) for a patient under his/her care. A PAR is a printout which contains prescribing history contained in the CURES data system for that patient by medical prescribers in California. Verification by DOJ staff is required to substantiate the validity of the requesting medical prescriber or pharmacist before information on a PAR is released.

It is also the policy of DOJ to provide CURES information to law enforcement agencies and regulatory boards as a tool for investigations. The availability of the prescription data in one system saves valuable time and resources for investigators trying to track down criminals and others abusing controlled substances.

FORMS

Physician's Direct Dispensing Log INSTRUCTIONS [PDF 18KB/1 Pg] FORM [PDF 35KB/1 Pg]

Physician Patient Activity Report (PAR) - BNE 1176 [PDF 74KB/1 Pg]

Pharmacist Patient Activity Report (PAR) - BNE 1177 [PDF 75KB/1 Pg]

Law Changes Directly Impacting the Prescribing and Dispensing of Schedule II and III Controlled Substances Within California - Information Bulletin [PDF 107KB/2 Pgs]



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING CURES AND PATIENT ACTIVITY REPORTS

What information may be obtained from CURES?


CURES contains the patient name, date of birth, drug name, drug form, strength, quantity, pharmacy name, pharmacy number and the prescribing physician information.

Who has access to CURES information?


As outlined in 11165(c) of the Health & Safety Code "Data obtained from CURES shall only be provided to appropriate state, local and federal persons or public agencies for disciplinary, civil, or criminal purposes and to other agencies or entities as determined by the Department of Justice, for educational, peer review, statistical, or research purposes, provided that patient information, including any medical prescribers, pharmacists, law enforcement personnel for investigative purposes and state boards which assist the medical community."

What do I do if the information in CURES is not correct?


Be prepared to tell the person in the CURES unit which Patient Activity Report you are looking at and he/she will pull the copy from the Program files.
What field of information is incorrect and why.
Do you know the correct information and please give your name and telephone number.
A technician from the unit will look into the matter and will call you back to verify what has transpired.
What do I do if a patient expresses concern regarding the information obtained from CURES?
Do not provide a copy of the PAR to the patient.
You may refer a patient to our public number
What should I do if I suspect my patient may be "doctor shopping"?


Call and ask to speak to the supervisor

If I am an out-of-state doctor may I request a PAR?


Yes, if we can verify your DEA number and the person is under your care.



CURES
Phone Number: (916) 319-9062
Fax Number: (916) 319-9448
4949 Broadway
Sacramento, CA 95820

thats too close to an invasion of patient pvivacy......

HIPPA anyone?

- Gekko

Yeesh!


Can't the state think of more practical things to do with its scant budget than to fund such a BIG BROTHER monitering idea system like this?!

How does this Orwellian nightmarish CURE tracking system apply to California residents who get their meds prescribed, filled and delivered from out of state, say like Florida?

~A~

As a wise man once sang, "California Uber Alles!"

This state has the best of many states - its simply breathtakingly beautiful. Its also run by one of the more dictatorial state governments in the US. Im glad I dont have to worry about this crap anymore.
Gileas

Well put!!! I agree 110%....

Psycho, darling, you have a minor error in your .sig According to Jerry and the boys, its "Silly Rabbit, Trips are for Kids"

As a former resident of Haddonfield NJ, just down the way from Cherry Hill, I offer you a tomato, grown in the garden state, and fine as a summer day - not in Jersey.

Gileas Sileas