Telehealth & Online Prescriptions in California

Prescription Requirements in California

California has specific requirements for prescription medications:

• Valid prescriptions: All controlled medications require a legitimate prescription from a licensed California healthcare provider
• Controlled substances: Schedule II-V prescriptions must comply with both federal DEA requirements and California state law
• Prescription refills: Schedule II medications cannot be refilled. Schedule III-V medications may be refilled up to 5 times within 6 months
• E-prescribing: California may require electronic prescribing for controlled medications — verify current requirements with the state board
• Pharmacist duties: Pharmacists in California play an important role in medication safety and patient counseling

Telehealth Regulations in California

California has one of the most developed telehealth frameworks in the nation. Telehealth prescribing, including for controlled medications, is permitted after establishing a valid provider-patient relationship through real-time audio-visual communication.

• Licensure requirement: Healthcare providers must hold a valid California license to provide telehealth services to patients located in California
• Prescribing via telehealth: Providers may prescribe medications via telehealth, including controlled medications, provided they establish a valid provider-patient relationship
• Telehealth parity: Verify whether California requires health plans to cover telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits
• Patient-provider relationship: A valid patient-provider relationship is required before any prescriptions can be issued via telehealth

Prescription Drug Monitoring in California

California operates the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) as its Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This system tracks all controlled substance prescriptions dispensed within the state.

• Mandatory checking: Prescribers and dispensers may be required to check the PDMP before prescribing or dispensing controlled medications
• Purpose: To identify potential drug abuse, diversion, and inappropriate prescribing patterns
• Schedule coverage: The PDMP typically tracks Schedule II-V controlled medications

Online Pharmacy Regulations in California

California has regulations governing internet pharmacies and mail-order pharmacies:

• Licensing requirement: All pharmacies operating in California, including internet pharmacies, must be properly licensed
• Prescription requirements: Valid prescriptions from licensed prescribers are required for all prescription medications
• Verification: Patients should verify that internet pharmacies are licensed in California through the appropriate state board
• NABP VIPPS: The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program provides additional verification

California Resources