Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in California:

QUESTION

California

State Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP): Research your state’s PDMP* and provide the following information:

1. Discuss the registration requirements and process

reference. California Department of Justice. (n.d.). Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). Retrieved from https://oag.ca.gov/cures

2. Discuss the standards and procedures for the access and review of database information.

reference. Medical Board of California. (2023, July). Guidelines for prescribing controlled substances for pain. Retrieved from https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Download/Publications/pain-guidelines.pdf

State specific laws on medical devices prescribing for the nurse practitioner: Research California laws on advanced practice nurses’ authority to prescribe medical devices.  These are also called Durable Medical Equipment (DME).  Based on research done on the state where you will practice clinically, include the following:

1. What does the law, rule, code, or statute say regarding prescribing DME in your state?

2. Conditions or limits on prescribing medical devices or DME.

3. Requirements (if any) in documentation needed to support order of medical devices or DME.

California Department of Health Care Services. (2023, March). Durable Medical Equipment (DME): An Overview. Retrieved from https://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/publications/masters-mtp/part2/dura.pdf

ANSWER

Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in California

Registration Requirements and Process

In California, the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is known as the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). The CURES program is administered by the California Department of Justice. To register for CURES access, healthcare practitioners, including nurse practitioners, must meet certain criteria. They must be licensed and authorized to prescribe controlled substances in the state of California. The registration process involves submitting an online application through the CURES website. The applicant is required to provide personal information, professional license details, and a declaration of understanding the rules and regulations governing the use of CURES. Once the application is reviewed and approved, the applicant receives login credentials to access the CURES database.

Reference: California Department of Justice. (n.d.). Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). Retrieved from https://oag.ca.gov/cures

Standards and Procedures for Access and Review of Database Information

The CURES database contains controlled substance prescription data, which allows healthcare practitioners, including nurse practitioners, to review a patient’s prescription history. Access to CURES is limited to licensed healthcare professionals for patient care purposes only. To access the database, practitioners must have an active and valid license in California. They are required to use secure and encrypted connections when accessing patient information. The information in CURES is confidential, and any unauthorized disclosure or use is strictly prohibited. The database provides valuable information to healthcare professionals to help identify potential cases of drug abuse, diversion, and doctor shopping.

Reference: Medical Board of California. (2023, July). Guidelines for prescribing controlled substances for pain. Retrieved from https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Download/Publications/pain-guidelines.pdf

Prescribing Durable Medical Equipment (DME) in California

State Law Regarding Prescribing DME

In California, nurse practitioners have the authority to prescribe Durable Medical Equipment (DME) under certain conditions. The law permits nurse practitioners to prescribe DME that is within their scope of practice and falls under their clinical specialty. The prescriptions for DME must be based on the patient’s medical condition and needs. The nurse practitioner must possess a valid and active license in the state and be authorized to prescribe DME as per the specific regulations and guidelines.

Reference: California Department of Health Care Services. (2023, March). Durable Medical Equipment (DME): An Overview. Retrieved from https://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/publications/masters-mtp/part2/dura.pdf

Conditions and Limits on Prescribing DME

While nurse practitioners in California have the authority to prescribe DME, there may be certain conditions and limits imposed. For instance, the prescription for DME must be directly related to the patient’s medical condition and be deemed medically necessary. The nurse practitioner must have the necessary expertise and knowledge to prescribe and manage DME effectively. Additionally, there may be specific guidelines and regulations related to certain types of DME, and the nurse practitioner must adhere to them when prescribing such equipment.

Requirements for Documentation

When prescribing DME in California, nurse practitioners are required to maintain proper documentation to support the order. This documentation should include the patient’s medical condition, the specific DME prescribed, the reason for the prescription, and any other relevant details. Proper documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care, facilitate insurance coverage, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) in California, known as CURES, plays a vital role in monitoring controlled substance prescriptions and promoting patient safety. Nurse practitioners can register for CURES access to review patients’ prescription histories and identify potential drug abuse cases. Regarding Durable Medical Equipment (DME) prescribing, nurse practitioners in California have the authority to prescribe DME within their scope of practice and clinical specialty. However, they must follow specific guidelines, ensure medical necessity, and maintain proper documentation to support their DME orders. Adhering to state laws and regulations regarding prescription drug monitoring and DME prescribing helps nurse practitioners provide quality care and protect patient well-being.