Immediate Call to Action from MAAPC

Colleagues

We have been asked by the MNA to write in support of HB 104 – Medical Cannabis - Written Certifications - Certifying Providers.

There is a push to stop this bill that authorizes "specified dentists, podiatrists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, in addition to physicians, to issue written certifications to qualifying patients by substituting the defined term "certifying provider" for "certifying physician" as it relates to laws governing medical cannabis; establishing that specified providers must be in good standing with the regulatory board regulating the licensing and certification of specified providers; providing for a delayed effective date; etc."

Although personally I am not sure I will start prescribing medical marijuana any time soon, I will fight to allow my colleagues the right to choose how they practice!

If you have the time, or even if you do not ;), please contact every member of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee by noon on Thursday, May 31st to support HB 104 without amendments: Chairman Robert Zirkin bobby.zirkin@senate.state.md.us Senator Jim Brochin jim.brochin@senate.state.md.us Senator Robert Cassilly Bob.Cassilly@senate.state.md.us Senator Michael Hough michael.hough@senate.state.md.us Senator Susan Lee susan.lee@senate.state.md.us Senator Nathaniel McFadden nathaniel.mcfadden@senate.state.md.us Senator Anthony Muse anthony.muse@senate.state.md.us Senator Wayne Norman wayne.norman@senate.state.md.us Senator Victor Ramirez victor.ramirez@senate.state.md.us Senator Jamie Raskin jamie.raskin@senate.state.md.us Senator Justin Ready justin.ready@senate.state.md.us

Some inflammatory language was used and, if you feel it pertinent, I have attached the MNA's email and sample letter for review.

If you want to let your Senators and Delegates know that you support HB104, you can find them on our legislative website APRNPractice.org. Follow the instructions under the Maryland General Assembly.

Dr. Elaine Crain, NP

MAAPC Communications Chair