Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Section 1161a.25 - Licensed medical professionals at facility(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), a dispensary shall ensure that a physician or a pharmacist is available, either in person or by synchronous interaction, to verify patient certifications and to consult with patients and caregivers at all times during the hours the facility is open to dispense or to offer to dispense medical marijuana products to patients and caregivers.(b) If a dispensary is authorized to operate more than one facility under its permit, a physician assistant or a certified registered nurse practitioner may be available, either in person or by synchronous interaction, to verify patient certifications and to consult with patients and caregivers at each of the other locations instead of a physician or pharmacist. The physician, pharmacist, physician assistant or certified registered nurse practitioner may rotate coverage of the facilities, provided that a physician or pharmacist is always available, either in person or by synchronous interaction, at one of the facilities. Furthermore, no less than one dedicated medical professional must be present either, physically or by synchronous interaction, for each distinct dispensary facility location and shall not cover more than one dispensary facility location regardless of whether in-person coverage or synchronous interaction is used.(c) As required under the act, a physician, a pharmacist, a physician assistant or a certified registered nurse practitioner shall, prior to assuming any duties at a facility, successfully complete a 4-hour training course developed by the Department. The course must provide instruction in the latest scientific research on medical marijuana, including the risks and benefits of medical marijuana, and other information deemed necessary by the Department.(d) Successful completion of the course required under subsection (c) shall be approved as continuing education credits as determined by: (1) The State Board of Medicine and the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine.(2) The State Board of Pharmacy.(3) The State Board of Nursing.(e) A practitioner or a physician, while at the facility, may not issue a patient certification to a patient.Adopted by Pennsylvania Bulletin, Vol 53, No. 09. March 4, 2023, effective 3/4/2023 This section cited in 28 Pa. Code § 1181a.32 (relating to training).