2021 -- H 5545

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Alzate, and Bennett

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2021

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 5-34 of the General Laws entitled "Nurses" is hereby amended by

adding thereto the following section:

     5-34-50. Written certification authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

     (a) Certified nurse practitioners, as defined in § 5-34-3, are expressly authorized to sign a

written certification stating that in their professional opinion the potential benefit of the medical

use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for a person who has been certified by a

practitioner as having a debilitating medical condition and is a resident of the state of Rhode Island.

The written certification shall be made only in the course of a bona fide practitioner-patient

relationship after the certified nurse 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 which may include the qualifying patient's relevant medical

records.

     (b) A certified nurse 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 nursing, or an employer or occupational or

professional licensing board or bureau solely for providing written certifications in accordance with

this section and regulations promulgated by the department of health, or for otherwise stating that,

in the certified nurse practitioner's professional opinion, the potential benefits of the medical

marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for a patient.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- NURSES

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     This act would authorize certified nurse practitioners to sign a written certification stating

that in their professional opinion, the potential benefits of use of medical marijuana to their patient,

who has a debilitating medical condition, outweigh their potential health risks.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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