Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
In a move aimed at ending Internet-based video examinations for people seeking approval to use medical marijuana, the Montana Board of Medical Examiners said Friday that medical doctors must conduct hands-on physical examinations of those patients to meet the board's standards of care.
"Initiating a new treatment for a chronic condition requires a physical examination, period," said Dr. Dean Center, a board member based in Bozeman. "The exclusive use of teleconference methods to certify individuals does not meet this level of standard of care," the board said in a new addendum to a position paper first released in May.
The move may not eliminate the video examinations, but it could subject doctors to disciplinary action if they continue the practice. The board does not actively seek out doctors for discipline, but investigates complaints about substandard care.
Formal marijuana-related complaints to the board have been few, despite concerns of doctors and other medical professionals that patients are getting the marijuana cards against their medical advice. Board Executive Director Jean Branscum said that in many cases those professionals cannot determine who certified the patient's need for the marijuana, and so are unable to file complaints to the board.
Board members agreed that their previous stance was inadequate. Then, the board said it would be difficult -- not impossible -- to meet standards of care using remote video exams.
Some medical marijuana providers in the state connect potential customers with doctors who use the web video service Skype for the examinations required to obtain medical marijuana cards.
The website of the Missoula-based Montana Caregivers Network advertises "TeleClinics" to help potential customers get their cards.
"Visit the Doctor from anywhere!" the site says. "Got a computer? You can visit the Doctor, online, and get your green card. Doctors are available all day long, every day!"
Montana Caregivers Network owner Jason Christ did not respond to a request for comment. But a spokesman for the group said this summer that the video examinations are needed for people who cannot travel and whose regular physician will not recommend the drug.
The board has no authority on the marijuana providers themselves.
Board members noted that the Legislature is likely to change the medical marijuana law in the upcoming session, probably requiring the board to modify its position again. A legislative panel this summer recommended the complete elimination of the video consultations as well as traveling clinics, which have signed up large numbers of users after short medical consultations.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Helena Independent Record (MT)
Copyright: 2010 Helena Independent Record
Contact: helenair.com | Submit a Letter to the Editor
Website: helenair.com - Helena, Montana daily news
Details: MapInc
Author: Sanjay Talwani
"Initiating a new treatment for a chronic condition requires a physical examination, period," said Dr. Dean Center, a board member based in Bozeman. "The exclusive use of teleconference methods to certify individuals does not meet this level of standard of care," the board said in a new addendum to a position paper first released in May.
The move may not eliminate the video examinations, but it could subject doctors to disciplinary action if they continue the practice. The board does not actively seek out doctors for discipline, but investigates complaints about substandard care.
Formal marijuana-related complaints to the board have been few, despite concerns of doctors and other medical professionals that patients are getting the marijuana cards against their medical advice. Board Executive Director Jean Branscum said that in many cases those professionals cannot determine who certified the patient's need for the marijuana, and so are unable to file complaints to the board.
Board members agreed that their previous stance was inadequate. Then, the board said it would be difficult -- not impossible -- to meet standards of care using remote video exams.
Some medical marijuana providers in the state connect potential customers with doctors who use the web video service Skype for the examinations required to obtain medical marijuana cards.
The website of the Missoula-based Montana Caregivers Network advertises "TeleClinics" to help potential customers get their cards.
"Visit the Doctor from anywhere!" the site says. "Got a computer? You can visit the Doctor, online, and get your green card. Doctors are available all day long, every day!"
Montana Caregivers Network owner Jason Christ did not respond to a request for comment. But a spokesman for the group said this summer that the video examinations are needed for people who cannot travel and whose regular physician will not recommend the drug.
The board has no authority on the marijuana providers themselves.
Board members noted that the Legislature is likely to change the medical marijuana law in the upcoming session, probably requiring the board to modify its position again. A legislative panel this summer recommended the complete elimination of the video consultations as well as traveling clinics, which have signed up large numbers of users after short medical consultations.
NewsHawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Helena Independent Record (MT)
Copyright: 2010 Helena Independent Record
Contact: helenair.com | Submit a Letter to the Editor
Website: helenair.com - Helena, Montana daily news
Details: MapInc
Author: Sanjay Talwani
