South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

South Dakota House Bill HB1280

Introduced
1/31/22  

Caption

Provide for an examination via telehealth for purposes of a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship under the medical cannabis program.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1280 would amend the existing laws governing the medical cannabis program in South Dakota, specifically addressing procedures for patient evaluations. The introduction of telehealth as an acceptable means of examination could significantly alter the current landscape of medical cannabis access. This amendment seeks to ensure that patients can have timely and necessary consultations with healthcare providers without the requirement for physical visits, which may be a barrier for some individuals, especially those with mobility issues or those residing in rural areas.

Summary

House Bill 1280 proposes to facilitate the establishment of a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship through examinations conducted via telehealth for individuals participating in the medical cannabis program in South Dakota. By incorporating telehealth provisions, the bill aims to expand access to healthcare services for patients who may face challenges in obtaining in-person consultations, particularly those with debilitating medical conditions. The bill intends to help streamline the qualification process for patients seeking medical cannabis, thereby promoting the effective use of telehealth technologies in healthcare delivery.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1280 appears to be supportive among proponents of telehealth and medical cannabis. Supporters argue that the bill reflects progress in integrating modern medical practices with legislative measures, potentially improving patient care and access to necessary treatments. However, there may be concerns from certain sectors, particularly regarding the quality of care provided through telehealth compared to in-person visits, which could raise questions about efficacy and patient safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention may focus on the balance between expanding access to medical care through telehealth and ensuring that the standards for patient evaluations are adequately maintained. Critics may express skepticism about whether telehealth can adequately replace in-person evaluations, particularly in assessing the patients' needs and conditions that qualify them for medical cannabis use. This debate emphasizes the broader theme of how technology and traditional practices intersect in evolving healthcare legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

SD SB82

Modify standards for a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship required prior to the issuance of a medical cannabis certification.

SD SB26

Revise the definition of practitioner for purposes of the medical cannabis program.

SD SB23

Revise the definition of bona fide practitioner-patient relationship.

SD HB1172

Require a practitioner's medical assessment of a patient to occur in certain facilities for purposes of medical cannabis use.

SD HB1150

Provide a medical cannabis patient a registry identification card fee waiver in certain circumstances.

SD HB1102

Clarify and modify requirements related to the medical cannabis program.

SD HB1058

Revise the available forms of medical cannabis products.

SD HB1053

Prohibit the issuance of a written certification to a pregnant woman or breastfeeding mother for purposes of medical cannabis use.

SD SB3

Prohibit the issuance of a written certification to a pregnant woman or breastfeeding mother for purposes of medical cannabis use.

SD SB4

Revise provisions related to a written certification for the medical use of cannabis.

Similar Bills

SD HB1057

Prohibit the unauthorized transfer of cannabis and cannabis products by a medical cannabis cardholder to another person.

MS HB976

Sellers of alternative nicotine products and package retailers; require to have a third-party age verification service.

SD HB1101

Repeal provisions related to medical marijuana.

SD HB1004

Prohibit cardholder cultivation of medical cannabis.

SD SB24

Establish a maximum number of cannabis plants that may be cultivated by a medical cannabis cardholder.

TX SB1839

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of cannabis for medical purposes; authorizing fees.

TX HB3785

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of cannabis for medical purposes; authorizing fees.

SD SB42

Modify provisions related to medical cannabis.