Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB982

Introduced
5/5/23  

Caption

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in program, further providing for program established.

Impact

The passage of HB 982 would significantly affect the existing framework of the Pennsylvania medical marijuana program. By mandating continuing education, the bill aims to improve practitioner knowledge and patient safety. The regulations developed under this bill are expected to include provisions for waivers in cases of hardship, thereby recognizing the challenges faced by practitioners in underserved communities. This change reflects an ongoing effort to not only regulate the medical use of cannabis but to also ensure that practitioners are well-informed and capable of providing the highest standard of care to their patients.

Summary

House Bill 982 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania. It seeks to amend existing laws to include a requirement for mandatory continuing education for medical cannabis practitioners. Specifically, practitioners, including physicians and pharmacists, will be required to complete at least four hours of continuing education each year. This education will cover topics such as ethics, patient safety, and the latest advancements in medical cannabis research, aimed at ensuring high standards of care for patients with serious medical conditions.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 982 appears to be supportive, particularly among those who advocate for enhanced training and safety in the administration of medical marijuana. Supporters argue that increasing educational requirements will protect patients and improve outcomes. However, some practitioners may view additional training requirements as burdensome, which could lead to discussions about the impact on their ability to practice. Overall, there is a collective understanding of the importance of informed care in the evolving landscape of medical marijuana legislation.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the imposition of continuing education requirements and the associated costs and logistics for practitioners, especially in rural or underserved areas. Concerns related to the enforcement of these requirements and how they may affect existing practitioners versus new applicants are critical discussion points. Additionally, there may be debates on how the education programs will be designed, approved, and funded, especially for those serving marginalized communities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

OK SB697

Medical marijuana licenses; establishing certain requirements for license issuance; allowing certain actions by certain licensees; requiring certain information to be documented in certain inventory manifest prior to certain action. Effective date.

DE HB285

An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Medical Marijuana.

PA SB835

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in program, further providing for program established, for confidentiality and public disclosure, for lawful use of medical marijuana and for unlawful use of medical marijuana; in practitioners, further providing for practitioner registration, for practitioner restrictions, for issuance of certification and for duration; in patients, further providing for identification cards, for verification and for contents of identification card; in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for granting of permit, for relocation and for limitations on permits; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking, for grower/processors, for storage and transportation, for laboratory and for prices and providing for recalls; in dispensaries, further providing for dispensing to patients and caregivers and for facility requirements; in tax on medical marijuana, further providing for Medical Marijuana Program Fund; in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board; in research program, further providing for establishment of medical marijuana research program, for medical marijuana research program administration and for approval; in academic clinical research centers and clinical registrants, further providing for legislative findings and declaration of policy, for definitions and for clinical registrants and providing for termination of contract; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for applicability.

VA SB591

Marijuana; shape productions, definitions.

PA HB28

In practitioners, further providing for practitioner registration.

RI S0810

The Edward O. Hawkins And Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act

RI S2364

The Edward O. Hawkins And Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act

LA HB190

Authorizes certain nurse practitioners to recommend medical marijuana to patients