PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB28

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB28

Introduced
1/10/25  

Caption

In practitioners, further providing for practitioner registration.

Impact

The changes introduced by HB 28 aim to refine the standards governing who is eligible to certify patients for medical marijuana use. Specifically, the Department of Health gains the power to implement restrictions and reporting requirements for practitioners. These provisions intend to bolster the integrity of the practitioner registry and ensure that only qualified professionals operate within the medical marijuana framework. This could ultimately lead to improved outcomes for patients seeking medical marijuana as a treatment option.

Summary

House Bill 28 amends the existing Medical Marijuana Act in Pennsylvania by adding provisions specifically focused on the registration of practitioners within the medical marijuana program. This bill seeks to establish enhanced regulatory conditions for practitioners who wish to be part of the program, thus ensuring higher standards of patient safety and care. Key amendments include authority for the Department of Health to impose terms of probation, limitations on the number of certifications a practitioner can issue, and supervision requirements to safeguard patient health.

Sentiment

The sentiment toward HB 28 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters, including patient advocacy groups and some healthcare professionals, who see these amendments as a means to improve accountability and safety within the medical marijuana program. However, there may be some concerns from practitioners regarding the potential for increased bureaucratic oversight and limitations on their practice. Nevertheless, the general tone reflects a desire for a responsible approach to the expansion of medical marijuana use in the state.

Contention

Despite the positive outlook, there could be notable contention regarding the extent of regulatory powers granted to the Department of Health. Critics might argue that excessive restrictions could discourage practitioners from participating in the medical marijuana program altogether, thus limiting patient access to necessary treatments. The balance between ensuring patient safety and maintaining accessible care for patients is likely to be a central point of debate as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Latest PA HB28 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB28

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2611

In practitioners, further providing for practitioner registration.

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.

PA HB982

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

PA HB370

Further providing for definitions; providing for domestic abuse reporting by health care practitioners; and making editorial changes.

PA SB25

Further providing for definitions; and providing for the Rural Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Health Care Access Program.

PA HB915

In patients, further providing for identification cards; and, in dispensaries, further providing for dispensing to patients and caregivers.

PA HB2208

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking and for laboratory; and, in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board.

PA SB1290

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in patients, further providing for prohibitions; in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for protections for patients and caregivers and providing for enforcement and civil actions; and promulgating regulations.

PA SB538

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in program, further providing for lawful use of medical marijuana and for unlawful use of medical marijuana.

PA HB984

In miscellaneous provisions, further providing for protections for patients and caregivers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.