Md. Code Regs. 14.17.04.08

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 24, December 2, 2024

Section 14.17.04.08 - Clinical Directors

A. A licensed dispensary shall appoint at least one individual to function as clinical director who:

(1) Is eligible to serve as a certifying provider, as defined in COMAR 14.17.01;

(2) Is a licensed pharmacist in good standing with the State Board of Pharmacy; or

(3) Has substantial education, training, and experience in the medical use of cannabis, as determined by the Administration and is a:

(a) Registered nurse in good standing with the State Board of Nursing; or

(b) Licensed naturopathic doctor in good standing with the State Board of Physicians.

B. During the hours of operation, a licensed dispensary shall have a clinical director:

(1) On-site; or

(2) Available via electronic communication.

C. A clinical director shall:

(1) Register as a clinical director with the Administration;

(2) Complete at least one training course each year that is approved by the Administration, which includes:

(a) The latest scientific research on medical cannabis;

(b) The risks and benefits of medical cannabis; and

(c) Other information considered necessary by the Administration;

(3) Educate qualifying patients and caregivers on:

(a) Treatment of the qualifying patient's medical condition with medical cannabis;

(b) Potential drug-to-drug interactions, including interactions with alcohol, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and supplements;

(c) Possible side effects or contraindications of medical cannabis use;

(d) The potential for differing strengths and effects of medical cannabis strains; and

(e) Different methods, forms, and routes of medical cannabis administration; and

(4) Provide training to dispensary agents on:

(a) Guidelines for providing information to qualifying patients related to risks, benefits, and side effects associated with medical cannabis;

(b) Recognizing signs and symptoms of substance abuse; and

(c) Guidelines for refusing to provide medical cannabis to an individual who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

D. A clinical director for a licensed dispensary may not provide a written certification for medical cannabis to any qualifying patient.

E. A standard dispensary is not subject to §§A-C of this regulation until the licensee has been licensed and operational for a period of at least 24 months.

F. A micro dispensary is not subject to §§A-C of this regulation.

Md. Code Regs. 14.17.04.08

Regulation .08 adopted effective 50:14 Md. R. 559, eff. 7/1/2023 (EMERGENCY); adopted effective 51:14 Md. R. 676, eff. 6/7/2024, exp. 8/31/2024 (Emergency); adopted effective 51:14 Md. R. 678, eff. 7/22/2024.