Implementation 13 min read
California Clinic Compliance Checklist (2026): Telehealth, CURES, E-Prescribing, and Ops Controls
California has specific operational requirements around telehealth, controlled substances, and prescribing workflows. This checklist translates those requirements into execution steps for clinic operators and multi-site leadership teams.
Compliance + Vendor Evaluation Links
- State Compliance Hub — Compare CA, TX, FL, NY, and IL checklists
- Best EHR for MAT Programs — Prescribing, PDMP, and workflow fit
- Behavioral Health EHR Comparison — Filter vendors by specialty and size
- Ease EHR Review — AI-native behavioral health operations
Key California Dates and Triggers
- October 2, 2018: CURES consultation mandate became effective after statewide certification.
- January 1, 2022: Mandatory e-prescribing requirements began for California prescribers, with specified exceptions.
- August 1, 2024: CURES reporting required ASAP version 4.2B format for dispensers.
- January 1, 2025: Additional opioid risk discussion requirements took effect under SB 607 before first opioid prescription in a single course of treatment.
Checklist 1: Telehealth Practice Controls
- Confirm every telehealth service line has a documented standard-of-care policy equal to in-person expectations.
- Map telehealth documentation requirements by specialty and encounter type.
- Implement explicit consent and privacy workflow controls inside intake and scheduling.
- Define escalation path for visits requiring in-person evaluation.
- Audit telehealth encounter closure time and coding quality monthly.
Checklist 2: CURES and Controlled-Substance Workflow
California Medical Board guidance describes mandatory CURES consultation expectations, including first-time controlled-substance prescribing and recurring review cadence where controlled substances remain part of treatment.
- Embed CURES check in prescribing workflow before order sign-off.
- Track documented exemptions with rationale and reviewer.
- Run monthly audit for missing CURES checks and remediation actions.
- Ensure delegation workflows are policy-compliant and auditable.
Checklist 3: E-Prescribing and Failure Procedures
- Default all prescribing to eRx where required.
- When technological/electrical failures occur, enforce failure documentation SLA in the record.
- Maintain contingency process for compliant paper/alternate workflows where exceptions apply.
- Train prescribers and staff on controlled-substance EPCS requirements and local exception handling.
Checklist 4: Leadership Governance and Audit Cadence
- Weekly: review controlled-substance exception log and aged note closures.
- Monthly: review CURES compliance rate and telehealth documentation quality score.
- Quarterly: refresh policies, staff attestations, and workflow training artifacts.
- Semiannual: legal/compliance review for new California policy or board updates.
30-60-90 Day Execution Plan
- First 30 days: baseline CURES/eRx adherence and telehealth chart quality.
- Days 31-60: patch workflow gaps in EHR order paths and role permissions.
- Days 61-90: run live audits and formalize governance dashboard.
Primary Sources
- California Medical Board: CURES Mandatory Use
- California DCA: CURES Reporting Format Update (ASAP 4.2B)
- California Medical Board: E-Prescriptions Guidance
- California Medical Board: Opioid Medication Risk Discussions (SB 607)
- California Medical Board: Telehealth Practice Guidance
- DHCS Medi-Cal Telehealth Background and Policy Context