Bill > SB482

This bill mandates that most healthcare practitioners, excluding veterinarians and pharmacists, must check the CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System) database, which tracks the prescribing and dispensing of certain controlled substances, before prescribing a Schedule II, III, or IV controlled substance for the first time to a patient, and at least every four months thereafter if the patient continues to be treated with such a substance. This check must occur no earlier than 24 hours or the previous business day before prescribing. The bill outlines several exceptions to this requirement, including for patients receiving hospice care, those admitted to certain facilities for on-site use, or for a limited supply (nonrefillable 5-day) prescribed for post-surgical treatment. If a practitioner is exempt from the initial check, they must consult CURES before the next subsequent prescription and every four months thereafter. Failure to comply will result in referral to the practitioner's licensing board for administrative sanctions, and these new requirements will become effective six months after the Department of Justice confirms CURES is ready for statewide use with adequate resources. Additionally, the bill clarifies that healthcare practitioners, pharmacists, and their staff are protected from civil or administrative liability for inaccurate information in CURES if they act in good faith and with reasonable care, and it allows healthcare practitioners to provide patients with a copy of their own CURES activity report without additional data.