Registry expands electronic outreach

We are excited to announce that we have migrated our electronic notices to a secured Google Group platform. This new format offers the following enhanced features: 

• Ability for individuals to self-subscribe/unsubscribe.
• Confidentiality protection by masking all names and contact information.
• Unlimited number of contacts who may be reached.

Effective Dec. 1, all policies, procedures and activity updates will be posted on our website and sent out by electronic notice through Google Groups. We will no longer be mailing newsletters and updates by traditional mail.

  

Sign-up today for electronic updates

For more information visit our website or contact us at
medical.marijuana@state.co.us or 303-692-2184.

Community input informs regulation amendments

We will be requesting a rule-making hearing at the Board of Health meeting on July 16.  If the request is approved, we will be proposing rules to fulfill new statutory requirements due to Senate Bill 14-155. In addition, we will recommend updates to reflect current terminology, align with Department of Revenue regulations where appropriate, and clarify Registry processes.

The proposed rules add a new regulation for the development and governance of the new Research Grant Program and the Medical Marijuana Scientific Advisory Council and propose amendments to proof of residency, medical marijuana center reporting, and caregiver limit waiver regulations.

We welcome community feedback on all of the proposed changes.  Please take a few minutes to complete our stakeholder survey.  Comments will also be accepted on this blog through July 31, 2014.

Registry Develops Scientific Advisory Council

On May 5, 2014, legislators passed Senate Bill 14-155 amending Colorado Revised Statute 25-1.5-106 to create a medical marijuana research grant program to fund research regarding the medical efficacy and appropriate  administration of marijuana  as part of medical treatment.

The statute requires the Department to develop a scientific advisory council to evaluate research proposals and make recommendations to the state Board of Health for funding. Currently we are seeking letters of interest from community partners interested in serving on this advisory council as  “a person who represents medical marijuana patient interests.”  The statute strictly defines the council structure, which includes one position for a patient representative.

If you are interested in serving on this council, please send an email to physicianreview@state.co.us by May 30, 2014.   Please provide the following information in your response, and any additional information that may be helpful in determining who to appoint to this position.

1. Describe your knowledge and experience related to medical marijuana.
2. Describe how you are a good choice to represent medical marijuana patient interest including your experience serving on boards, commissions, or work groups concerning medical marijuana patients, participating in patient education and outreach initiatives, or other activities to support patient well-being.
3. Explain your knowledge and understanding of current research as it pertains to effectiveness of medical marijuana.
4. Affirm that you are able to make a one-year commitment to attend monthly meetings which may last up to four hours. 

Registry hosts Town Hall Meeting

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is hosting a Town Hall Meeting on March 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the State Capitol Building in the Old Supreme Court Chambers.  Dr. Larry Wolk, Executive Director, will discuss proposed legislation to address Office of the State Auditor’s recommendations regarding contractors and caregiver limits, introduce a new department policy on the review of medical necessity, and provide the opportunity for public comment to the proposed legislation as well as the department's new policy on medical necessity review. 

The Department is accepting comments from 9:00 a.m. on March 24 to 5:00 p.m. on March 26. 

Confidentiality laws require established relationships

We have seen an increase in the number of calls and emails about patient records that are coming from people other than the patient. The Colorado constitution forbids Registry staff from providing patient information to anyone other than the patient, with limited exception.

Representation for adult patients needing assistance

Patients who are unable to process their own paperwork may submit proof of relationship documents granting signing and decision authority to another individual (agent or guardian). All documents must comply with the issuing state’s laws.

1. To assign a representative or agent, please submit a Power of Attorney or Medical Power of Attorney that establishes the rights and responsibilities delegated to an individual for the care of the patient, and the period of time for which these rights are extended. We recommend an acknowledged (notarized or signed by two witnesses) copy. If the form is not acknowledged, it may cause delays for additional verification.

2. To establish guardianship send a copy of the certified, court-issued guardianship papers that include the full legal name of the guardian and the patient, and establish the time period for which guardianship is extended. The document must be a final order with the case number and legal agency’s stamp or electronic court seal.

Proof of relationship for patients under the age of 18

The number of applications for patients under the age of 18 has increased. With this increase, we have seen a trend in common errors causing delays in processing.

1. Incomplete proof of relationship documentation: The following are required to establish relationship and residency.

• Social security number for the child
• A copy of the certified birth certificate for the child
• A copy of each parent’s and/or guardian’s current ID
• Proof of residency for the primary parent/caregiver
• Proof of out-of-state residence for any parents/guardians not living in Colorado
• A completed Parental Consent Form  for all parents living in Colorado.

2. Incomplete documentation establishing sole custody or guardianship: When only one parent and/or guardian is listed on the minor patient’s application, a copy of certified court documents that prove sole custody must also be included.

3. Missing parental signature: All forms must be signed by the primary parent until the child is 18 years old. Forms with a signature other than the primary parent are rejected.

Please contact us if you have more questions about the application process. 

Registry expands community outreach

We at the Registry appreciate the response to our community survey in October and the testimonies provided to the Board of Health over the past few months.  Your input helped secure approval to reduce the application fee to $15 effective
February 1, 2014.

Fantastic results, such as the fee reduction, occur when we work collaboratively to support Colorado citizens' needs for legal access to medical marijuana. We want to work with you even more in 2014.

Our plan: Increase community engagement

Increased opportunities for community interaction is one of the Registry's primary goals for 2014. Over the coming months, patients and other community partners are encouraged to participate in any or all of the following opportunities:

• Electronic Updates:  Please stop by our website to sign-up for community meeting notices; policy and procedure updates; newsletters for medical marijuana centers and physicians; and upcoming regulatory actions.
• Moderated Blog:  Subscribe to this blog to become part of the community discussion to enhance the Medical Marijuana Registry program.  Your suggestions are always welcome and will be posted as long as they comply with the Comment Policy.
• Community Training:  By third quarter 2014, we anticipate having a series of on-line and on-site workshops available to equip physicians, medical marijuana centers, caregivers, law enforcement officers and other community partners to navigate the changing landscape of the marijuana industry in Colorado.
• Social Media Outlets:  When changes occur within the Registry, they are most often publicized through our website and the Department's Facebook and Twitter accounts.  Our web content is reviewed and updated on a regular basis, most often new material is referenced in the Hot Topics section of our main page.   

In the next few months, we will be using the above communication tools to request community feedback on policies and procedures, and to provide information about any changes that may come as a result of the current legislative session.

Our request: Your ideas and feedback

• Do you have suggestions for other ways to enhance community engagement?
• Are there subjects you would like us to address through this blog or other communication tools?

Please comment below by selecting the comment link or email your recommendations to medical.marijuana@state.co.us.

Again, thank you for helping make the Registry a thriving program that provides legal, medical marijuana access for more than 110,000 Colorado residents living with debilitating medical conditions.