216-RICR-20-10-3
216-RICR-20-10-3. Medical Marijuana Program (version Amendment, 03/18/2010 to 12/23/2012)
RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATED TO
THE MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM
[R21-28.6-MMP]
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
March 2006 (E)
AS AMENDED:
July 2006 (E)
August 2006
January 2007 (re-filing in
accordance with the
provisions of section 42-
35-4.1 of the Rhode Island
General Laws, as amended)
January 2008
March 2010
INTRODUCTION
These amended Rules and Regulations Related to the Medical Marijuana Program [R21-
28.6-MMP] are promulgated pursuant to the authority conferred under Section 21-28.6-5 of the
General Laws of Rhode Island of, as amended, and are established for the purpose of adopting
standards for the implementation of a medical marijuana program, including establishment of
compassion centers, in Rhode Island.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 42-35-3(c) of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as
amended, the following were given consideration in arriving at the amended regulations: (1)
alternative approaches to the regulations; and (2) duplication or overlap with other state
regulations. Based on the available information, no known alternative approach, duplication or
overlap was identified.
These amended regulations shall supersede all previous Rules and Regulations Related to the
Medical Marijuana Program promulgated by the Rhode Island Department of Health and filed
with the Secretary of State.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0
Definitions
1
2.0
General Requirements
3
3.0
Application for Registration Identification Cards and Fees
6
4.0
Issuance and Renewal of Registration Identification Cards
7
5.0
Registration and Opekration of Compassion Centers
8
6.0
Protections for the Medical Use of Marijuana
18
7.0
Confidentiality Provisions
20
8.0
Scope of the Act
21
9.0
Penalties for Violations
21
10.0
Practices and Procedures
22
11.0
Severability
22
ii
Section 1.0
Definitions
Wherever used in these Regulations the following terms shall be construed as follows:
1.1
“Act” means RIGL Chapter 21-28.6 entitled “The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C.
Slater Medical Marijuana Act.”
1.2
"Cardholder" means a qualifying patient, a primary caregiver, or a principal officer,
board member, employee, volunteer, or agent of a compassion center who has been
issued and possesses a valid registry identification card.
1.3
"Compassion center" means a not-for-profit entity registered under §21-28.6-12 of the
Act that acquires, possesses, cultivates, manufactures, delivers, transfers, transports,
supplies or dispenses marijuana, or related supplies and educational materials, to
registered qualifying patients and their registered primary caregivers who have
designated it as one of their primary caregivers.
1.4
“Debilitating medical condition” means:
(a) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired
immune deficiency syndrome, Hepatitis C, or the treatment of these conditions;
(b) A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces
one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe, debilitating,
chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to, those characteristic
of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to,
those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease; or agitation of
Alzheimer's Disease; or
(c) Any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Department pursuant to
§§2.5, 2.6 and 2.7 of these Regulations.
1.5
“Department” means the Rhode Island Department of Health or its successor agency.
1.6
“Marijuana” has the meaning given that term in RIGL §21-28-1.02(26) and is as
follows: all parts of the plant (Cannabis sativa, L.), whether growing or not; the seeds of
the plant; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound,
manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin, but
shall not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake
made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative,
mixture, or preparation of mature stalks, (except the resin extracted from it), fiber, oil or
cake, or the sterilized seed from the plant which is incapable of germination.
1.7
"Mature marijuana plant" means a marijuana plant which has flowers or buds that are
readily observable by an unaided visual examination.
1.8
“Medical use” means the acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, delivery,
transfer, or transportation of marijuana or paraphernalia relating to the consumption of
marijuana to alleviate a registered qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition or
symptoms associated with the medical condition.
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1.9
“Paraphernalia” , as used in these Regulations, means any equipment, product, or
material of any kind that is primarily intended or designed for use in manufacturing,
compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, inhaling, or otherwise
introducing into the human body marijuana, including but not limited to: metal, wooden,
acrylic, glass, stone, plastic, or ceramic pipes with or without screens, permanent screens,
or punctured metal bowls; water pipes, roach clips: meaning objects used to hold burning
material, such as a marijuana cigarette, that has become too small or too short to be held
in the hand; bongs; ice pipes or chillers.
1.10
“Parent or legal guardian” means the custodial parent or legal guardian with
responsibility for health care decisions for a person under eighteen (18) years of age.
1.11
“Practitioner” means a person who is licensed to practice medicine with authority to
prescribe drugs pursuant to RIGL §5-37 or a physician licensed with authority to
prescribe drugs in Massachusetts or Connecticut.
1.12
“Primary caregiver” means either a natural person who is at least twenty-one (21) years
old or a compassion center. Unless the primary caregiver is a compassion center, a
natural primary caregiver may assist no more than five (5) qualifying patients with their
medical use of marijuana.
1.13
“Qualifying patient” means a person who has been diagnosed by a practitioner as having
a debilitating medical condition and is a resident of Rhode Island.
1.14
“Registry identification card” means a document issued by the Department that
identifies a person as a registered qualifying patient, a registered primary caregiver, or a
registered principal officer, board member, employee, volunteer, or agent of a
compassion center.
1.15
“RIGL” means the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended.
1.16
"Seedling" means a marijuana plant with no observable flowers or buds.
1.17
“These Regulations” mean all parts of Rhode Island Rules and Regulations Related to
the Medical Marijuana Program [R21-28.6-MMP].
1.18
"Unusable marijuana" means marijuana seeds, stalks, seedlings, and unusable roots.
1.19
“Usable marijuana” means the dried leaves and flowers of the marijuana plant, and any
mixture or preparation thereof, but does not include the seeds, stalks, and roots of the
plant.
1.20
“Written certification” means the qualifying patient’s medical records, and a statement
signed by a practitioner, stating that in the practitioner’s professional opinion the
potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks
for the qualifying patient. A written certification shall be made only in the course of a
bona fide practitioner-patient relationship after the practitioner has completed a full
assessment of the qualifying patient's medical history. The written certification shall
specify the qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition or conditions.
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Section 2.0
General Requirements
2.1
Administration of the Program. The Division of Environmental and Health Services
Regulation within the Department shall be responsible for the administrative functions
required to implement the provisions of the Act and these Regulations as they apply to
the implementation of the medical marijuana program in Rhode Island.
Written Certifications
2.2
Practitioners shall provide written certifications for their patients on such forms as shall
be provided by the Department.
2.3
The written certification shall specify the qualifying patient's debilitating medical
condition or conditions.
2.4
A written certification shall be made only in the course of a bona fide practitioner-patient
relationship after the practitioner has completed a full assessment of the qualifying
patient's medical history.
Addition of Debilitating Medical Conditions
2.5
The Department shall accept a written petition from any person requesting that a
particular disease or condition be included among the diseases and conditions that qualify
as “debilitating medical conditions” contained in §1.4 of these Regulations.
2.6
The petitioner shall provide to the Department, as available:
(a) An explanation stating the reason(s) why the condition should be included;
(b) Any literature supporting the addition of the condition to the list;
(c) Letter(s) of support from physicians or other licensed health care professional
knowledgeable about the condition and its treatment;
2.7
In considering such petitions, the Department shall include public notice of, and an
opportunity to comment in a public hearing, upon such petitions.
2.7.1 The Department shall, after hearing, approve or deny such petitions within one
hundred eighty (180) days of submission.
2.7.2 The approval or denial of such a petition shall be considered a final Department
action, subject to judicial review. Jurisdiction and venue for judicial review are
vested in the Superior Court.
2.7.3 The denial of a petition shall not disqualify qualifying patients with that
condition, if they have a debilitating medical condition.
2.8
Registered Primary Caregiver and Registered Qualifying Patient Possession Limits.
The following possession limits are established for each registered primary caregiver and
registered qualifying patient:
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2.8.1 A registered primary caregiver may possesses an amount of marijuana which does
not exceed twelve (12) mature marijuana plants and two and one-half (2.5) ounces
of usable marijuana for each qualifying patient to whom he or she is connected
through the Department's registration process established pursuant to these
Regulations.
2.8.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of §2.8.1 of these Regulations, no primary
caregiver other than a compassion center shall possess an amount of marijuana in
excess of twenty-four (24) mature marijuana plants and five (5) ounces of usable
marijuana for qualifying patients to whom he or she is connected through the
Department's registration process established pursuant to these Regulations.
2.8.3 A registered qualifying patient may possesses an amount of marijuana which does
not exceed twelve (12) mature marijuana plants and two and one-half (2.5) ounces
of usable marijuana.
2.8.4 Registered primary caregivers and registered qualifying patients shall be allowed
to possess a reasonable amount of unusable marijuana, including up to twelve
(12) seedlings, which shall not be counted toward the limits established in §§2.8.1
and 2.8.3 of these Regulations.
2.9
Compassion Center Possession Limits. A compassion center shall not possess an
amount of marijuana that exceeds the total of the allowable amount of marijuana for the
registered qualifying patients for whom the compassion center is a registered primary
caregiver.
2.10
Primary Caregiver Eligibility. A person may not serve as a primary caregiver if he or
she has a felony drug conviction, unless the Department waives this restriction in respect
to a specific individual at the Department's discretion. Additionally, the Department shall
allow the person to serve as a primary caregiver if the Department determines that the
offense was for conduct that occurred prior to the enactment of the Act or that was
prosecuted by an authority other than the state of Rhode Island, and for which the Act
would otherwise have prevented a conviction.
2.11
Compassion Center Principal Officer, Board Member, Agent, Volunteer or
Employee Eligibility. A person shall not serve as a principal officer, board member,
agent, volunteer or employee of a compassion center if he or she has a felony drug
conviction. Notwithstanding this requirement, the Department may allow a person to
serve as a principal officer, board member, agent, volunteer or employee of a compassion
center if the Department determines that the offense was for conduct that occurred prior
to the enactment of the Act or that was prosecuted by an authority other than the state of
Rhode Island, and for which the Act would otherwise have prevented a conviction.
2.12
Compassion Center Authorized Activities. A compassion center registered pursuant to
§5.0 of these Regulations may acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, deliver, transfer,
transport, supply, or dispense marijuana, or related supplies and educational materials, to
registered qualifying patients and their registered primary caregivers who have
designated it as one of their primary caregivers.
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2.12.1 A compassion center shall be considered a primary caregiver.
2.12.2 Except as specifically provided to the contrary, all provisions in §21-28.6-1
through §21-28.6-11 of the Act shall apply to a compassion center unless they
conflict with a provision contained in §21-28.6-12 of the Act.
2.13
Emergency Notification. A compassion center registered pursuant to §5.0 of these
Regulations shall provide notification of emergency events to the Department and local
law enforcement as outlined below.
2.13.1 Immediately upon discovery of the event, provide telephone notification to the
appropriate local law enforcement authorities regarding any of the following:
(a) An unplanned implementation of any portion of the compassion center’s
disaster plan;
(b) A failure/mechanical malfunction of the security alarm system that is expected
to exceed an eight (8) hour period. [Ref: §5.1.7(e)(7) of these Regulations];
(c) An alarm activation or other event which requires response by public safety
personnel; and
2.13.2 Provide telephone notification to the Department within twenty-four (24) hours of
discovery for any emergency event described in §2.13.1 of these Regulations;
2.13.3 Submit a follow-up written report within five (5) business days for each telephone
notification made pursuant to §2.13.2 of these Regulations. The written report
shall include, as a minimum, a description of the event(s), identification of known
or suspected cause(s) for the event(s), any corrective action(s) taken to prevent a
recurrence, and the name and title of the individual preparing the report.
2.13.4 Notification: Any notification required pursuant to §2.13.2 or §2.13.3 of these
Regulations shall be made as follows:
(a) Written Notification:
Rhode Island Department of Health - Medical Marijuana Program
3 Capitol Hill – Room 104
Providence, RI 02908-5097
(b) Telephone Notification:
(401) 222-2828 [Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.]
(401) 272-5952 [24 hour number]
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Section 3.0
Application for Registry Identification Cards and Fees
3.1
Registry Identification Cards for Qualifying Patients and Primary Caregivers. The
Department shall issue registry photo identification cards to qualifying patients and
primary caregivers who submit the following:
3.1.1 Written certification as defined in §1.20 of these Regulations;
3.1.2 Non-returnable, non-refundable application or renewal fee of seventy-five dollars
($75.00) for each qualifying patient or primary caregiver of the qualifying patient
identified on the application;
(a) Provided, however, for a qualifying patient or primary caregiver who
submits satisfactory evidence to the Department of being a recipient of
Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability
Insurance (SSDI), a non-returnable, non-refundable application or renewal
fee of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be submitted.
3.1.3 Name, address, and date of birth of the qualifying patient. If the qualifying patient
is homeless, no address is required.
3.1.4 Name, address, and telephone number of the qualifying patient’s practitioner; and
3.1.5 Name, address, and date of birth of each primary caregiver, up to a maximum of
two (2), of the qualifying patient, if any.
3.1.6 Each applicant for qualifying patient registry identification card shall also indicate
if he or she would like the Department to notify him or her of any clinical studies
about marijuana's risk or efficacy.
3.2
Registry Identification Cards for Minors. The Department shall not issue a registry
identification card to a qualifying patient under the age of eighteen (18) unless:
3.2.1 The qualifying patient's practitioner has explained the potential risks and benefits
of the medical use of marijuana to the qualifying patient and to a parent, guardian
or person having legal custody of the qualifying patient; and
3.2.2 A parent, guardian or person having legal custody consents in writing to:
(a) Allow the qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana;
(b) Serve as one of the qualifying patient's primary caregivers; and
(c) Control the acquisition of the marijuana, the dosage, and the frequency of
the medical use of marijuana by the qualifying patient.
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Section 4.0
Issuance and Renewal of Registry Identification Cards
4.1
The Department shall verify the information contained in an application or renewal
submitted pursuant to the Act, and shall approve or deny an application or renewal within
fifteen (15) days of receiving it.
4.2
The Department shall issue registry identification cards within five (5) days of approving
an application or renewal, which shall expire two (2) years after the date of issuance.
4.2.1 If the Department fails to issue a valid registry identification card in response to a
valid application submitted pursuant to the Act or these Regulations within thirty-
five (35) days of its submission, the registry identification card shall be deemed
granted and a copy of the registry identification application shall be deemed valid
registry identification card.
4.2.2 The department shall issue a registry identification card to each primary caregiver,
if any, who is named in a qualifying patient's approved application, up to a
maximum of two (2) primary caregivers per qualifying patient.
4.3
The Department may deny an application or renewal only if the applicant did not provide
the information required pursuant to the Act, or if the Department determines that the
information provided was falsified.
4.4
Rejection of an application or renewal is considered a final Department action, subject to
judicial review. Jurisdiction and venue for judicial review are vested in the Superior
Court.
4.5
A registry identification card shall not be transferable.
4.6
Registry identification cards shall contain:
4.6.1 The date of issuance and expiration date of the registry identification card;
4.6.2 A random registry identification number; and
4.6.3 A photograph.
Requirements Related to Registry Identification Cards
4.7
Persons issued registry identification cards shall be subject to the following:
4.7.1 A qualifying patient who has been issued a registry identification card shall notify
the Department of any change in the qualifying patient’s name, address, or
primary caregiver; or if the qualifying patient ceases to have his or her debilitating
medical condition, within ten (10) days of such change.
4.7.2 If a registered qualifying patient has ceased to suffer from a debilitating medical
condition, the card shall be deemed null and void and the person shall be liable for
any other penalties that may apply to the person's non-medical use of marijuana.
7
4.7.3 A registered primary caregiver, principal officer, board member, employee,
volunteer or agent of a compassion center shall notify the Department of any
change in his or her name or address within ten (10) days of such change.
4.7.4 When a qualifying patient or primary caregiver notifies the Department of any
changes listed in §4.7.1 of these Regulations, the Department shall issue the
registered qualifying patient and each primary caregiver a new registry
identification card within ten (10) days of receiving the updated information and a
ten dollar ($10.00) non-returnable, non-refundable fee for each new registration
card to be issued.
4.7.5 When a principal officer, board member, employee, volunteer or agent of a
compassion center notifies the Department of any changes listed in §4.7.3 of these
Regulations, the Department shall issue the cardholder a new registry
identification card within ten (10) days of receiving the updated information and a
ten dollar ($10.00) fee for each new registration card to be issued.
4.8
When a qualifying patient who possesses a registry identification card changes his or her
primary caregiver, the Department shall notify the primary caregiver within ten (10) days.
The primary caregiver's protections as provided in §6.0 of these Regulations as to that
patient shall expire ten (10) days after notification by the Department.
4.9
If a cardholder loses his or her registry identification card, he or she shall notify the
Department and submit a ten dollar ($10.00) non-returnable, non-refundable fee within
ten (10) days of losing the card. Within five (5) days of receiving this notification, the
Department shall issue a new registry identification card with new random identification
number.
4.10
Possession of, or application for, a registry identification card shall not constitute
probable cause or reasonable suspicion, nor shall it be used to support the search of the
person or property of the person possessing or applying for the registry identification
card, or otherwise subject the person or property of the person to inspection by any
governmental agency.
Section 5.0
Registration and Operation of Compassion Centers
5.1
General Requirements for Operation of a Compassion Center.
5.1.1 A compassion center shall be operated on a not-for-profit basis for the mutual
benefit of its patients. A compassion center need not be recognized as a tax-
exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Services.
5.1.2 A compassion center shall not acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, deliver,
transfer, transport, supply or dispense marijuana for any purpose except to assist
registered qualifying patients with the medical use of marijuana directly or
through the qualifying patient’s other primary caregiver.
5.1.3 A compassion center shall not be located within five hundred (500) feet of the
property line of a preexisting public or private school.
8
5.1.4 All principal officers and board members of a compassion center shall be
residents of the state of Rhode Island.
5.1.5 Each compassion center shall notify the Department in writing of the name,
address, and date of birth1 of any new principal officer, board member, agent,
volunteer or employee and shall submit the fee established in §5.5 of these
Regulations for a new registry identification card before a new agent, volunteer or
employee begins working at the compassion center.
5.1.6 Each compassion center shall notify the Department in writing within ten (10)
days of when a principal officer, board member, agent, volunteer or employee
ceases to work at the compassion center. His or her registry identification card
shall be deemed null and void and the individual shall be liable for any other
penalties that may apply to the individual's nonmedical use of marijuana.
5.1.7 Security Requirements:
(a) Each compassion center shall implement appropriate security and safety
measures to deter and prevent the unauthorized entrance into areas containing
marijuana and the theft of marijuana.
(1) Access from outside the premises shall be kept to a minimum and be well-
controlled;
(2) The outside perimeter of the premises shall be well-lighted; and
(3) Entry into area(s) where marijuana is held shall be limited to authorized
personnel.
(b) Each compassion center shall have a fully operational security alarm system at
each authorized physical address that will provide suitable protection against
theft and diversion. For the purpose of these Regulations, a fully operational
security alarm system shall include, as a minimum:
(1) Immediate automatic or electronic notification to alert local or municipal
law enforcement agencies to an unauthorized breach of security at the
compassion center or at any other authorized physical address; and
(2) Immediate automatic or electronic notification to local or municipal public
safety personnel of a loss-of-electrical support backup system.
(c) When appropriate, the security system shall provide protection against theft or
diversion that is facilitated or hidden by tampering with computers or
electronic records.
(d) Each compassion center shall ensure that the storage of usable marijuana is in
a locked area with adequate security. For purpose of these Regulations,
“adequate security”, as a minimum, should be assessed, established and
maintained based on:
1 A compassion center is considered to be a primary caregiver. Therefore, any principal officer, board member,
agent, volunteer or employee shall be at least twenty-one (21) years old.
9
(1) Quantity of usable marijuana that will be kept on hand at each authorized
location;
(2) The compassion center’s inventory system for tracking and dispensing
usable marijuana;
(3) The number of principal officers, board members, agents, volunteers or
employees who have or could have access to the usable marijuana;
(4) The geographic location of the compassion center (i.e., high or low crime
area);
(5) Scope and sustainability of the alarm system; and
(6) Root cause analysis of any breach of security and/or inventory discrepancy
for usable marijuana at that location.
(e) Each compassion center, as a minimum, shall:
(1) Conduct an initial comprehensive inventory of all medical marijuana,
including usable marijuana available for dispensing, mature marijuana
plants and unusable marijuana, at each authorized location on the date the
compassion center first dispenses medical marijuana.
(2) Conduct the comprehensive inventory required by §5.1.7(e)(1) of these
Regulations at intervals not to exceed twenty-four (24) months from the
date of the previous comprehensive inventory;
(3) Conduct a monthly inventory review of stored, usable marijuana;
(4) Within twenty-four (24) hours of discovery of the event, notify the
Department and appropriate local law enforcement authorities by
telephone of discrepancies identified during inventories conducted
pursuant to §§5.1.7(e)(1), (e)(2) or (e)(3) of these Regulations.
(5) Establish a protocol for the testing and maintenance of the security alarm
system;
(6) Conduct a maintenance inspection/test of the alarm system for each
authorized location at intervals not to exceed thirty (30) days from the
previous inspection/test and promptly make all necessary repairs to ensure
the proper operation of the alarm system;
(7) In the event of a failure of the security alarm system, due to loss of
electrical support or mechanical malfunction, that is expected to exceed an
eight (8) hour period:
(i)
Within twenty-four (24) hours of discovery of the event, notify the
Department by telephone; and
(ii) Provide alternative security measures approved by the Department or
close the authorized physical address(es) impacted by the failure/
malfunction until the security alarm system has been restored to full
operation;
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(8) Maintain documentation in an auditable form2 for a period of at least
twenty-four (24) months after the event for:
(i)
All inventories conducted pursuant to §§5.1.7(e)(1), (e)(2) or (e)(3)
of these Regulations. The record shall include, as a minimum, the
date of the inventory, a summary of the inventory findings and the
name, signature and title of the individual who conducted the
inventory;
(ii) All maintenance inspections/tests conducted pursuant to §5.1.7(e)(6)
of these Regulations, and any servicing, modification or upgrade
performed on the security alarm system. The record shall include, as
a minimum, the date of the action, a summary of the action(s)
performed and the name, signature and title of the individual who
performed the action(s);
(iii) Any alarm activation or other event which requires response by
public safety personnel; and
(iv) Any unauthorized breach(es) of security.
5.1.8 Operations Manual. Each compassion center shall develop, implement and
maintain on the premises an operations manual which addresses, as a minimum,
the following requirements:
(a) Procedures for the oversight of the compassion center;
(b) Procedures for safely dispensing medical marijuana to registered qualifying
patients or their other registered primary caregiver:
(c) Procedures to ensure accurate record keeping, including protocols to ensure
that quantities purchased do not suggest re-distribution;
(d) Employee security policies;
(e) Safety and security procedures, including a disaster plan with procedures to be
followed in case of fire or other emergencies;
(f) Personal safety and crime prevention techniques;
(g) A job description or employment contract developed for all employees and a
volunteer agreement for all volunteers, which includes duties, responsibilities,
authority, qualification and supervision;
(h) The compassion center’s alcohol and drug free work place policy; and
(i) A description of the compassion center’s outreach activities to registered
qualifying patients or their other registered primary caregiver which shall, as a
minimum, include:
2 Any required record may be microfilmed or otherwise archived as long as a complete copy of said record can
be retrieved for a period of at least twenty-four (24) months after the event which caused the record to be
generated.
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(1) Providing each new registered qualifying patient who visits the
compassion center with frequently asked questions, designed by the
Department, which explains the limitations on the right to use medical
marijuana under state law;
(2) Ingestion options of useable marijuana provided by the compassion center;
(3) Safe smoking techniques that shall be provided to registered qualifying
patients; and
(4) Potential side effects and how this information shall be communicated.
(j) A description of the packaging of the useable marijuana that the compassion
center shall be utilizing which shall, as a minimum, include:
(1) A label containing the name of the strain, batch and quantity; and
(2) A statement that the product is for medical use and not for resale.
5.1.9 Required Training. Each compassion center shall develop, implement and
maintain on the premises an on-site training curriculum, or enter into contractual
relationships with outside resources capable of meeting employee, agent and
volunteer training needs. Each employee, agent or volunteer, at the time of his or
her initial appointment, shall receive, as a minimum, training in the following:
(a) Professional conduct, ethics, and state and federal laws regarding patient
confidentiality;
(b) Informational developments in the field of medical use of marijuana;
(c) The proper use of security measures and controls that have been adopted; and
(d) Specific procedural instructions for responding to an emergency, including
robbery or violent accident.
5.1.10 Personnel Records. Each compassion center shall maintain a personnel record
for each employee, agent or volunteer that includes, as a minimum, the following:
(a) An application for employment or to volunteer;
(b) A record of any disciplinary action taken;
(c) Documentation of all required training;
(1) Documentation shall include a signed statement from the individual
indicating the date, time and place he or she received said training and
topics discussed, including the name and title of presenters; and
(2) Documentation shall be maintained for a period of at least six (6) months
after termination the individual’s affiliation with the compassion center.
5.2
Application for Operation of Compassion Center. Applications shall only be accepted
during an open application period announced by the Department. Each application for a
compassion center shall be on forms provided by the Department and shall include:
5.2.1 A non-refundable application fee, made payable to the General Treasurer, State of
Rhode Island, in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
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5.2.2 The proposed legal name, articles of incorporation and bylaws of the compassion
center.
5.2.3 The proposed physical address(es) of the compassion center, if a precise address
has been determined. This shall also include any additional address(es) to be used
for the secure cultivation of medical marijuana.
(a) Provide evidence of compliance with the local zoning laws for each physical
address to be utilized as a compassion center or for the secure cultivation of
medical marijuana;
(b) Provide evidence that all of the physical addresses identified in §5.2.3(a) of
these Regulations are not located within five hundred feet (500’) of the
property line of a preexisting public or private school; or
(c) If a precise address has not been determined, identify the general location(s)
where it would be sited, and when.
5.2.4 A description of the enclosed, locked facility that would be used in the cultivation
of marijuana, including steps to ensure that the marijuana production shall not be
visible from the street or other public areas.
5.2.5 A description of how the compassion center will operate on a not-for-profit basis:
(a) Documentation of recognition as a tax-exempt organization by the US Internal
Revenue Service; or
(b) Other written materials which will allow the Department to determine the
compassion center’s ability to comply with the review criteria contained in
§21-28.6-12(c)(3)(iii) of the Act.
5.2.6 The name, address, and date of birth of each principal officer and board member
of the compassion center.
5.2.7 A description of proposed security and safety measures which demonstrate
compliance with §5.1.7 of these Regulations,
5.2.8 A draft operations manual which demonstrates compliance with §5.1.8 of these
Regulations.
5.2.9 A list of all persons or business entities having direct or indirect authority over the
management or policies of the compassion center.
5.2.10 A list of all persons or business entities having five percent (5%) or more
ownership in the compassion center, whether direct or indirect and whether the
interest is in profits, land or building, including owners of any business entity
which owns all or part of the land or building. and
5.2.11 The identities of all creditors holding a security interest in the premises, if any.
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5.2.12 Complete Application Required. Only applications which the Department has
determined to be complete (i.e., adequately address all requirements in §§5.2.1-
5.2.11 of these Regulations) shall be eligible for review pursuant to §5.3 of these
Regulations. An applicant who submits an incomplete applications shall receive
written notification from the Department regarding the specific deficiencies and
shall be allowed to resubmit additional material to address these deficiencies.
5.3
Compassion Center Application Review Criteria. The Department shall utilize the
criteria specified in §21-28.6-12(c)(3) of the Act to review applications for a registration
certificate to operate a compassion center.
5.4
Issuance of Registration Certificate Authorizing Operation of a Compassion Center.
When an applicant to operate a compassion center is notified that its application has been
approved by the Department, it shall submit the following additional items to the
Department before the registration certificate authorizing operation of a compassion
center will be issued:
5.4.1 A certification fee, made payable to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island,
in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000);
5.4.2 The legal name and articles of incorporation of the compassion center.
5.4.3 The physical address of the compassion center. This shall include any additional
address(es) to be used for the secure cultivation of marijuana.
(a) Provide evidence of compliance with the local zoning laws for each physical
address to be utilized as a compassion center or for the secure cultivation of
medical marijuana.
(b) Provide evidence that all of the physical addresses identified in §5.4.3(a) of
these Regulations are not located within five hundred feet (500’) of the
property line of a preexisting public or private school.
(c) It shall not be necessary to resubmit any information provided pursuant to
§5.2.3(a) and/or §5.2.3(b) of these Regulations unless there has been a change
in that information.
5.4.4 The name, address and date of birth of each principal officer and board member
of the compassion center.
5.4.5 The name, address and date of birth of any person who will be an agent of or
employed by the compassion center at its inception.
5.4.6 Any updates to previously submitted information regarding compliance with
§§5.1.7 and 5,1.8 of these Regulations.
5.4.7 A current Certificate of Occupancy (or equivalent document) to demonstrate
compliance with the provisions of RIGL §23-28.1 [Fire Safety Code] for each
physical address to be utilized as a compassion center or for the secure cultivation
of medical marijuana.
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5.5
Registry Identification Cards for Principal Officers, Board Members, Agents,
Volunteers or Employees of a Compassion Center. The Department shall issue
registry photo identification cards to each principal officer, board member, agent or
employee of a compassion center who is identified by the compassion center pursuant to
§5.4 of these Regulations, subject to the requirements in §5.5.1, §5.5.2 and §5.5.3.
5.5.1 A non-returnable, non-refundable application or renewal fee of seventy-five
dollars ($75.00) shall be submitted for each principal officer, board member,
agent or employee of the compassion center.
5.5.2 The compassion center shall also submit the name, address and date of birth of
any additional principal officer, board member, agent employee or volunteer of
the compassion center and a non-returnable, non-refundable application or
renewal fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for each individual.
5.5.3 Pursuant to §21-28.6-12(c)(7) of the Act, each compassion center principal
officer, board member, agent, volunteer or employee shall submit a full Bureau of
Criminal Investigation (BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s
Office to demonstrate compliance with the eligibility requirements in §2.11 of
these Regulations.
(a) All applicable fees associated with the full Bureau of Criminal Investigation
(BCI) check from the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office shall be paid by
the compassion center or the individual;
(b) The Department shall notify the compassion center in writing of the purpose
for denying the registry identification card.
5.5.4 The Department shall issue each principal officer, board member, agent, volunteer
or employee of a compassion center a registry identification card within ten (10)
days of receipt of the information required by §5.5.1 or §5.5.2. The registry
identification card shall contain:
(a) The name, address and date of birth of the person;
(b) The legal name of the compassion center that the individual is affiliated with;
(c) The category of the person’s affiliation (principal officer, board member,
agent, volunteer or employee);
(d) The date of issuance and expiration date of the registry identification card;
(e) A random registry identification number; and
(f) A photograph.
5.5.5 Expiration Date. The registry identification card of a principal officer, board
member, agent, volunteer or employee shall expire one (1) year after its issuance,
or upon the expiration of the compassion center's registration certificate,
whichever occurs first.
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5.6
Expiration, Termination or Renewal of a Registration Certificate Authorizing
Operation of a Compassion Center.
5.6.1 A compassion center's registration shall expire two (2) years after its registration
certificate is issued. The compassion center may submit a renewal application
beginning sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of its registration certificate;
5.6.2 The Department shall grant a compassion center's renewal application within
thirty (30) days of its submission if the following conditions are all satisfied:
(a) The compassion center submits the materials required under §5.4 of these
Regulations, including a five thousand dollar ($5,000) fee;
(b) The Department has not ever suspended the compassion center's registration
for violations of the Act or these Regulations;
(c) The Legislative Oversight Committee's report, issued pursuant to §21-28.6-
12(j) of the Act, indicates that the compassion center is adequately providing
patients with access to medical marijuana at reasonable rates; and
(d) The Legislative Oversight Committee's report, issued pursuant to §21-28.6-
12(j) of the Act, does not raise serious concerns about the continued operation
of the compassion center applying for renewal.
5.6.3 If the Department determines that any of the conditions listed in §§5.6.2(b),
5.6.2(c) or 5.6.2(d) of these Regulations exist, the Department shall begin an open
application process for the operation of a compassion center. In granting a new
registration certificate, the Department shall consider the review criteria listed in
§21-28-12(c)(3) of the Act.
5.6.4 The Department shall issue a compassion center one (1) or more thirty (30) day
temporary registration certificates after that compassion center's registration
would otherwise expire if the following conditions are all satisfied:
(a) The compassion center previously applied for a renewal, but the Department
had not yet come to a decision;
(b) The compassion center requested a temporary registration certificate; and
(c) The compassion center has not had its registration certificate revoked due to
violations of the Act or these Regulations.
5.7.
Non-transferable Registration Certificate Authorizing Operation of a Compassion
Center.
5.7.1 A registration certificate authorizing operation of a compassion center shall not be
transferred by assignment or otherwise to other persons or locations. Unless the
compassion center applies for and receives an amended registration certificate
authorizing operation of a compassion center, the registration certificate shall be
void and returned to the Department when one (1) or more of the following
situations occurs:
(a) A change in ownership of the compassion center;
(b) A change in one (1) or more authorized physical locations; or
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(c) The compassion center discontinues its operation.
5.7.2 A compassion center shall provide the Department with a written notice of any
change described in 5.7.1 of these Regulations at least sixty (60) days prior to the
proposed effective date of the change. The Department may waive all or part of
the required advance notice to address emergent or emergency situations.
5.7.3 Transactions which usually do not constitute a change of ownership include the
following:
(a) Changes in the membership of a board of directors or board of trustees; or
(b) Two (2) or more legal entities merge and the entity to whom the registration
certificate authorizing operation of a compassion center was issued survives.
5.7.4 Management agreements are generally not considered a change in ownership if
the entity to whom the registration certificate authorizing operation of a
compassion center was issued continues to retain ultimate authority for the
operation of the compassion center. However, if the ultimate authority is
surrendered and transferred from the entity to whom the registration certificate
authorizing operation of a compassion center was issued to a new manager, then a
change of ownership has occurred.
5.8
Maximum Amount of Usable Marijuana to be Dispensed.
5.8.1 A compassion center or principal officer, board member, agent, volunteer or
employee of a compassion center shall not dispense, deliver or otherwise transfer
marijuana to a person other than a qualifying patient who has designated the
compassion center as a primary caregiver or to such patient's other primary
caregiver.
5.8.2 A compassion center or principal officer, board member, agent, volunteer or
employee of a compassion center shall not dispense more than two and one half
ounces (2.5 oz) of usable marijuana to a qualifying patient directly or through a
qualifying patient’s other primary caregiver during a fifteen (15) day period.
5.8.3 A compassion center or principal officer, board member, agent, volunteer or
employee of a compassion center shall not dispense an amount of usable
marijuana or marijuana plants to a qualifying patient or a qualifying patient’s
other primary caregiver that the compassion center, principal officer, board
member, agent, volunteer or employee knows would cause the recipient to
possess more marijuana than is permitted under the Act or these Regulations.
5.8.4 A person found to have violated §5.8.1 of these Regulations is not eligible to be
an employee, agent, principal officer or board member of any compassion center,
and such person's registry identification card shall be immediately revoked.
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5.9
Inspection. Compassion centers are subject to reasonable inspection by the
Department’s Office of Facilities Regulation. The Department shall give reasonable
notice of an inspection under these Regulations. During an inspection, the Department
may review the compassion center's confidential records, including its dispensing
records, which may track transactions according to qualifying patients' registry
identification numbers to protect their confidentiality, and its security protocols.
Section 6.0
Protections for the Medical Use of Marijuana
6.1
A qualifying patient who has in his or her possession a registry identification card, issued
pursuant to the Act and these Regulations, shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or
penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to, civil
penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing
board or bureau, for the medical use of marijuana; provided, that the qualifying patient
possesses an amount of marijuana that does not exceed the applicable limits established
in §2.8 of these Regulations. Said plants shall be stored in an indoor facility.
6.2
No school, employer or landlord may refuse to enroll, employ or lease to or otherwise
penalize a person solely for his or her status as a cardholder.
6.3
A primary caregiver, who has in his or her possession, a registry identification card
issued pursuant to the Act and these Regulations, shall not be subject to arrest,
prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not
limited to, civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or
professional licensing board or bureau, for assisting a qualifying patient to whom he or
she is connected through the department's registration process with the medical use of
marijuana; provided, that the primary caregiver possesses an amount of marijuana which
does not exceed the applicable limits established in §2.8 of these Regulations for each
qualifying patient to whom he or she is connected through the Department’s registration
process established pursuant to these Regulations.
6.4
There shall exist a presumption that a qualifying patient or primary caregiver is engaged
in the medical use of marijuana if the qualifying patient or primary caregiver:
6.4.1 Is in possession of a registry identification card issued pursuant to the Act and
these Regulations; and
6.4.2 Is in possession of an amount of marijuana that does not exceed the amount
permitted under §2.8 of these Regulations. Such presumption may be rebutted by
evidence that conduct related to marijuana was not for the purpose of alleviating
the qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated
with the medical condition.
6.5
A primary caregiver may receive reimbursement for costs associated with assisting a
registered qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana. Compensation shall not
constitute sale of controlled substances.
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6.6
A practitioner shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or
denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, civil penalty or disciplinary
action by the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline or by any another
business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau solely for providing
written certifications or for otherwise stating that, in the practitioner's professional
opinion, the potential benefits of the medical marijuana would likely outweigh the health
risks for a patient.
6.7
Any interest in or right to property that is possessed, owned, or used in connection with
the medical use of marijuana, or acts incidental to such use, shall not be forfeited.
6.8
No person shall be subject to arrest or prosecution for constructive possession,
conspiracy, aiding and abetting, being an accessory, or any other offense for simply being
in the presence or vicinity of the medical use of marijuana as permitted under the Act and
these Regulations, or for assisting a registered qualifying patient with using or
administering marijuana.
6.9
A practitioner, nurse, or pharmacist shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution or penalty
in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, civil penalty
or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or
bureau solely for discussing the benefits or health risks of medical marijuana or its
interaction with other substances with a patient.
6.10
A registry identification card, or its equivalent, issued under the laws of another state,
U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia to permit the medical use of marijuana by a
patient with a debilitating medical condition, or to permit a person to assist with the
medical use of marijuana by a patient with a debilitating medical condition, shall have the
same force and effect as a registry identification card issued by the Department pursuant
to the Act and these Regulations.
6.11
A registered qualifying patient or registered primary caregiver may give marijuana to
another registered qualifying patient or registered primary caregiver to whom they are not
connected through the Department’s registration process established pursuant to these
Regulations, provided that no consideration is paid for the marijuana, and that the
recipient does not exceed the applicable limits specified in §2.8 of these Regulations.
6.12
For the purposes of medical care, including organ transplants, a registered qualifying
patient's authorized use of marijuana shall be considered the equivalent of the authorized
use of any other medication used at the direction of a physician, and shall not constitute
the use of an illicit substance.
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6.13
A registered compassion center shall not be subject to prosecution; search, except by the
Department pursuant to §21-28.6-12(e) of the Act and §5.9 of these Regulations; seizure
or penalty in any manner or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to,
civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business, occupational, or professional licensing
board or entity, solely for acting in accordance with the Act and these Regulations to
assist registered qualifying patients, to whom it is connected through the registration
process established pursuant to these Regulations, with the medical use of marijuana.
6.14
A principal officer, board member, agent, volunteer or employee of a registered
compassion center shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, search, seizure, or penalty in
any manner or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, civil penalty or
disciplinary action by a business, occupational, or professional licensing board or entity,
solely for working for or with a compassion center to engage in activities permitted by
the Act and these Regulations.
Section 7.0
Confidentiality Provisions
7.1
Applications and supporting information submitted by qualifying patients, including
information regarding their primary caregivers and practitioners, are confidential and
protected under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
of 1996, as amended.
7.2
The Department shall maintain a confidential list of the persons to whom the Department
has issued registry identification cards.
7.2.1 Individual names and other identifying information on the list:
(a) Shall be confidential and not be considered a public record pursuant to RIGL
§38-2-2(4); and
(b) Shall not subject to disclosure, except to authorized employees of the
Department as necessary to perform official duties of the Department.
7.3
The Department shall verify to law enforcement personnel whether a registry
identification card is valid solely by confirming the random registry identification
number.
7.4
All records maintained by a compassion center which pertain to one or more registered
qualifying patients or other registered primary caregivers shall be considered:
7.4.1 Confidential health care information under applicable Rhode Island law; and
7.4.2 Protected health care information for purposes of the Federal Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended.
7.5
Pursuant to §21-28.6-6(j) of the Act, the Department may notify law enforcement
personnel about falsified or fraudulent information submitted to the Department.
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Section 8.0
Scope of the Act
8.1
The Act and these Regulations shall not permit:
8.1.1 Any person to undertake any task under the influence of marijuana, when doing
so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice;
8.1.2 The smoking of marijuana:
(a) In a school bus or other form of public transportation;
(b) On any school grounds;
(c) In any correctional facility;
(d) In any public place;
(e) In any licensed drug treatment facility in this state; or
(f) Where exposure to the marijuana smoke significantly adversely affects the
health, safety, or welfare of children.
8.1.3 Any person to operate, navigate, or be in actual physical control of any motor
vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under the influence of marijuana. However,
a registered qualifying patient shall not be considered to be under the influence
solely for having marijuana metabolites in his or her system.
8.2
Nothing in the Act or these Regulations shall be construed to require:
8.2.1 A government medical assistance program or private health insurer to reimburse a
person for costs associated with the medical use of marijuana; or
8.2.2 An employer to accommodate the medical use of marijuana in any workplace.
Section 9.0
Penalties for Violations
9.1
Fraudulent representation to a law enforcement official of any fact or circumstance
relating to the medical use of marijuana to avoid arrest or prosecution shall be punishable
by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) which shall be in addition to any other penalties
that may apply for making a false statement for the non-medical use of marijuana.
9.2
If a cardholder willfully violates any provision of the Act or these Regulations, as
determined by the Department, his or her registry identification card may be revoked.
9.3
A registered qualifying patient who fails to notify the Department of any changes
required pursuant to §4.7.2 of these Regulations shall be responsible for a civil infraction,
punishable by a fine of no more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150)
9.4
A primary caregiver, principal officer, board member, employee, volunteer or agent of a
compassion center who fails to notify the Department of any changes required pursuant
to §4.7.3 of these Regulations shall be responsible for a civil infraction, punishable by a
fine of no more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
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Section 10.0 Practices and Procedures
10.1
All hearings and reviews required under the provisions of RIGL Chapter 21-28.6 of the
General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended, shall be held in accordance with the
provisions of the Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Department of Health
Regarding Practices and Procedures Before the Department of Health and Access to
Public Records of the Department of Health [R42-35-PP].
Section 11.0 Severability
11.1
Any section of the Act being held invalid as to any person or circumstances shall not
affect the application of any other section of the Act that can be given full effect without
the invalid section or application.
MedicalMarijuana_FinalRegs_March2010.doc
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