CURES Information Exchange Web Service (IEWS)

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Adoption of the NCPDP Version 2023011 SCRIPT Standard

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) intends to have the CURES Information Exchange Web Service (IEWS) transition to the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) version 2023011 SCRIPT Standard. The CURES IEWS currently utilizes the NCPDP version 2017071 SCRIPT Standard.

The DOJ anticipates implementation of the NCPDP version 2023011 SCRIPT Standard in Summer 2025. More information, including a finalized production date and an updated Implementation Guide, will be provided in future communications.

For questions, please contact the CURES Program at CURESIEWS@doj.ca.gov.

Assembly Bill 40 (Stats of 2017)

The Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) is a database containing information about Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substance prescriptions dispensed to patients, as reported by dispensers pursuant to Health and Safety Code (HSC) sections 11165 or 11190. The CURES Program grants authorized health care practitioners and pharmacists access to query the CURES database to assist them in their efforts to ensure appropriate prescribing, ordering, administering, furnishing, and dispensing of controlled substances to individuals under their care.

Assembly Bill (AB) 40 requires the DOJ to establish a method of system integration whereby approved health care practitioners and pharmacists may use a qualified Health Information Technology (HIT) system to access information in the CURES database. As a prerequisite to system integration, each entity that operates a HIT system must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the DOJ.

An approved health care practitioner or pharmacist may submit queries to the CURES database through a HIT system if the entity that operates the HIT system can certify meeting the requirements specified in HSC section 11165.1(a)(1)(E). For purposes of AB 40, "entity" means an organization that operates, or provides or makes available, a HIT system to a health care practitioner or pharmacist.

A complete copy of HSC section 11165.1, as revised to incorporate AB 40, is available here: HSC section 11165.1.

How to Connect to the CURES IEWS?

There are two options for an entity to connect to the CURES Information Exchange Web Service (IEWS).

Option 1:

If your organization is an entity operating a HIT system that can directly connect to the CURES IEWS, and which has full power and authority to enter into and comply with the MOU, the entity may submit an IEWS application package, which includes:

  • Signed MOU, to be submitted by mail. DocuSign MOUs may be emailed.
  • Completed Onboarding Questionnaire.
    • Payment through check or cashier’s check for all associated fees, including: Fee to Establish Connectivity – $1,500.00
    • Maintenance Fee – Waived until further notice

The application package should be mailed to the following address:

  • California Department of Justice
  • CURES Program
  • P.O. Box 160447
  • Sacramento, CA 95816

Option 2:

Your organization may work directly with an approved IEWS entity to facilitate your organization's access through the IEWS. Below is a list of approved IEWS entities.

Note: This option does not require your organization to execute an MOU with the DOJ since the approved IEWS entity has completed this requirement.

NCPDP Script Standard

Presently, the CURES IEWS supports version 2017071 of the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) SCRIPT Standard. Beginning July 2025, the CURES IEWS will also support Version 2023011 of the NCPDP SCRIPT Standard. Both NCPDP versions will be supported for one year until the decommission of Version 2017071 in July 2026. The California Department of Justice has provided the CURES IEWS Implementation Guide for both NCPDP versions below.

Documents

Informational Documents

Application Documents