Sec. 10.62.05.01. Issuing a Written Certification

A. A certifying provider may determine that a patient qualifies for a written certification only:

(1) If the qualifying patient has registered with the Commission;

(2) If the certifying provider has a bona fide provider-patient relationship with the qualifying patient;

(3) If the qualifying patient meets the certifying provider’s inclusion criteria;

(4) If the qualifying patient does not meet the certifying provider’s exclusion criteria; and

(5) If the certifying provider has determined that the potential benefits of the medical use of cannabis likely outweigh the health risks for the patient.

B. The certifying provider shall:

(1) Log onto the website of the Commission to transmit the written certification to the Commission; and

(2) If requested, provide a copy of the written certification to the qualifying patient.

C. A written certification shall include the:

(1) Provider’s name, Maryland Board of Physicians, Board of Dental Examiners, Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, or Board of Nursing license number, and office telephone number;

(2) Qualifying patient’s name, date of birth, address, and county of residence;

(3) Medical condition requiring medical cannabis; and

(4) The date of qualification as a qualifying patient.

D. A written certification may contain, if applicable, a written statement certifying that, in the provider’s professional opinion, a 30-day supply of medical cannabis would be inadequate to meet the medical needs of the qualifying patient.

E. A certifying provider may discuss the use of medical cannabis with a patient.

F. A certifying provider shall terminate a written certification if:

(1) The qualifying patient meets the provider’s exclusion criteria;

(2) Treatment with medical cannabis is no longer necessary for the qualifying patient;

(3) Adverse effects of medical cannabis outweigh the benefits to the qualifying patient’s health; or

(4) There is evidence that the qualifying patient engaged in diversion of medical cannabis.

G. A certifying provider may terminate a written certification if the qualifying patient demonstrates abuse of any substance of abuse.

H. A certifying provider shall notify the Commission within 1 business day of the termination of a written certification.

I. A qualifying patient shall have only one certifying provider at any time.