<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" citation="COMAR 14.17.04.01" title_num="14" subtitle_num="17" chapter_num="04" heading="Certifying Providers.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Provider Registration.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A provider seeking registration as a certifying provider shall submit an application in the manner specified by the Administration.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Administration may approve certifying provider applications to treat:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that results in a patient being admitted into hospice or receiving palliative care; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or the treatment of a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition that produces:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Cachexia, anorexia, or wasting syndrome;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Severe or chronic pain;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Severe nausea;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>Seizures;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>Severe or persistent muscle spasms;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(vi)">
          <text>Glaucoma;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(vii)">
          <text>Post-traumatic stress disorder; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(viii)">
          <text>Any other condition that is severe and for which other medical treatments have been ineffective if the symptoms reasonably can be expected to be relieved by the medical use of cannabis.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A certifying provider may apply to amend the approval at any time.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The application shall be deemed approved unless the Administration notifies the applicant that the application has been denied.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A certifying provider may discuss the use of medical cannabis with a patient, including but not limited to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Contraindications;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Dosage;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Problem use; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Harm reduction and safety precautions.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Certifying Provider Registration Renewal.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An approval is valid for 2 years.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A certifying provider shall apply to renew a registration to certify at the time of renewal of the provider’s license.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The Administration shall provide a certifying provider with notice of renewal 90 business days before expiration of the registration.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The Administration shall grant the application for renewal of registration if:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The certifying provider attests that:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The certifying provider’s license to practice in Maryland is active, unrestricted, and in good standing; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>The certifying provider’s registration by the State to prescribe controlled dangerous substances is valid; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The certifying provider has otherwise complied with this chapter.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>If a certifying provider fails to obtain a renewal of a registration to issue written certifications, the certifying provider may not issue written certifications.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A certifying provider may not receive compensation, including promotion, recommendation, advertising, subsidized rent, or anything of value, from a licensee.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Action Against a Provider.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>After a written notice and a hearing in accordance with COMAR 14.17.22 if such hearing is properly requested, the Administration may deny a certifying provider’s application for registration, or revoke registration to certify if the provider:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Fraudulently applies for approval;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Fraudulently issues a written certification; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Fails to comply with this chapter.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Administration shall report any finding to the provider’s State licensing board and may refer any allegation of fraud or conduct that threatens public health by a certifying provider.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>