The mandate was just updated to officially include telemedicine for our certifications. My family can finally manage our health safely from home without risking exposure at a clinic. I am so relieved this barrier is finally gone.
August 9, 2020
Final supporters
In order to protect patients and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we request that the wording of the executive order 2020-15 be amended to allow medical marijuana certification appointments be done via telemedicine during the COVID-19 crisis.
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/telemedicine-for-certifications
Statement:
As we do not know the timeline of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is imperative that we support patients with therapies that have shown to improve quality of life, and do so without further endangering their health and safety.
Supposed Cause for Exclusion:
We understand that the exclusion of medical cannabis certifications in the Governor's Executive Order was worded as such because the therapies involved are not considered "prescriptions" but rather "certifications".
Medical Marijuana patient interactions are medical visits:
Medical visits for medical marijuana certifications are the same as any other patient visit, although they can be very focused. The top two consistent chief complaints of patients interested in medical marijuana are Chronic Pain (~89%) and Cancer (~1.8%) (December 2019 AZDHS Monthly Report, with similar 2019 monthly stats). Recommendations are put forth to patients based on their past medical history and current condition, along with the review of supporting documentation. Conventional and non-conventional therapies are typically discussed along with medical marijuana.
The Need:
Medical cannabis use is associated with decreased opiate medication use, and an improvement in quality of life (Boehnke, et.al. 2016 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2016.03.002). Current telemedicine guidelines as put forth by the Governor's Executive Order encourage the prescription of opioid therapies, but do not recognize the benefit of medical marijuana for pain management and therefore improved quality of life.
The Danger to Patients:
Patients are still seeking out practitioners for medical marijuana due to their chronic pain, cancer therapies, or other AZ DHS approved uses, despite the Governor's Stay-at-Home order. Patients with higher risk profiles are the ones typically seeking out medical marijuana, and while medical offices are following CDC guidelines, patients are still potentially exposed to COVID-19 during these visits. Many patients with a cancer diagnosis have compromised immune systems, putting them in a higher risk category for COVID-19 infection.
The Request:
We ask that medical marijuana certification be specifically added to the list of procedures allowed by physicians for a telemedicine visit to improve the health and safety of patients who are seeking medical marijuana certification for their AZ DHS approved uses. All requirements and precautions would be recognized for a telemedicine visit as stipulated by the respective medical board.
https://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/eo_2020-15_expansion_of_telemedicine_0.pdf
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
June 26, 2020
April 14, 2020
Seeing this grow makes me feel like my struggle to find safe access is shared by so many others. We have clear momentum now and I truly believe the people in charge will have to listen to us.
Reached 100 supporters
April 7, 2020
April 6, 2020
My own journey as a patient taught me that risking infection for a medical visit is a trade no one should have to make. We are nearing the hundred signature mark and I need you to pass this link to three people who understand why this change is urgent.
352 Comments
A patient's back pain, or any other debilitating health problem does not disappear during the executive order 2020-15. the order should be amended to allow medical marijuana certification appointments be done via telemedicine during the COVID-19 crisis.
My card expired and My pain has increased From arthritis... I don’t want to ruin my liver with Tylenol! Allow FaceTime/video dr consultations during the epidemic, so I don’t have to risk exposure just to have pain relief
I take a medication that lowers my immune system's ability to fight off infections and I also need to renew my card in the next two weeks. I'd like to be able to renew without putting my life in danger due to COVID -19.
I have Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and end-stage COPD. I'm in the "dead man" category if i get the virus. neither of my conditions are curable. My current card expires in June. Why do I have to put myself at further risk to re-new?
The sickest people in Arizona that use Medical Marijuana should NOT have to be exposed to renew an Arizona Medical Marijuana Card. All my other medical appointments were taken care of by phone or video conference. This needs to be implemented for MM patients.
Telemedicine!
This would help make the process so much easier for a lot of people who may not be able to get out of their home
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The mandate was just updated to officially include telemedicine for our certifications. My family can finally manage our health safely from home without risking exposure at a clinic. I am so relieved this barrier is finally gone.
August 9, 2020
Final supporters
In order to protect patients and prevent the spread of COVID-19, we request that the wording of the executive order 2020-15 be amended to allow medical marijuana certification appointments be done via telemedicine during the COVID-19 crisis.
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/telemedicine-for-certifications
Statement:
As we do not know the timeline of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is imperative that we support patients with therapies that have shown to improve quality of life, and do so without further endangering their health and safety.
Supposed Cause for Exclusion:
We understand that the exclusion of medical cannabis certifications in the Governor's Executive Order was worded as such because the therapies involved are not considered "prescriptions" but rather "certifications".
Medical Marijuana patient interactions are medical visits:
Medical visits for medical marijuana certifications are the same as any other patient visit, although they can be very focused. The top two consistent chief complaints of patients interested in medical marijuana are Chronic Pain (~89%) and Cancer (~1.8%) (December 2019 AZDHS Monthly Report, with similar 2019 monthly stats). Recommendations are put forth to patients based on their past medical history and current condition, along with the review of supporting documentation. Conventional and non-conventional therapies are typically discussed along with medical marijuana.
The Need:
Medical cannabis use is associated with decreased opiate medication use, and an improvement in quality of life (Boehnke, et.al. 2016 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2016.03.002). Current telemedicine guidelines as put forth by the Governor's Executive Order encourage the prescription of opioid therapies, but do not recognize the benefit of medical marijuana for pain management and therefore improved quality of life.
The Danger to Patients:
Patients are still seeking out practitioners for medical marijuana due to their chronic pain, cancer therapies, or other AZ DHS approved uses, despite the Governor's Stay-at-Home order. Patients with higher risk profiles are the ones typically seeking out medical marijuana, and while medical offices are following CDC guidelines, patients are still potentially exposed to COVID-19 during these visits. Many patients with a cancer diagnosis have compromised immune systems, putting them in a higher risk category for COVID-19 infection.
The Request:
We ask that medical marijuana certification be specifically added to the list of procedures allowed by physicians for a telemedicine visit to improve the health and safety of patients who are seeking medical marijuana certification for their AZ DHS approved uses. All requirements and precautions would be recognized for a telemedicine visit as stipulated by the respective medical board.
https://azgovernor.gov/sites/default/files/eo_2020-15_expansion_of_telemedicine_0.pdf
Updates
Reached 1,000 supporters
June 26, 2020
April 14, 2020
Seeing this grow makes me feel like my struggle to find safe access is shared by so many others. We have clear momentum now and I truly believe the people in charge will have to listen to us.
Reached 100 supporters
April 7, 2020
April 6, 2020
My own journey as a patient taught me that risking infection for a medical visit is a trade no one should have to make. We are nearing the hundred signature mark and I need you to pass this link to three people who understand why this change is urgent.
352 Comments
As an RN, MSN I completely agree with the need to decrease exposure not only for the patient but for the providers as well. In addition; I am immune compromised due to Sarcoidosis diagnosis and do not want more exposure than absolutely necessary.
A patient's back pain, or any other debilitating health problem does not disappear during the executive order 2020-15. the order should be amended to allow medical marijuana certification appointments be done via telemedicine during the COVID-19 crisis.
My card expired and My pain has increased From arthritis... I don’t want to ruin my liver with Tylenol! Allow FaceTime/video dr consultations during the epidemic, so I don’t have to risk exposure just to have pain relief
I take a medication that lowers my immune system's ability to fight off infections and I also need to renew my card in the next two weeks. I'd like to be able to renew without putting my life in danger due to COVID -19.
I have Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and end-stage COPD. I'm in the "dead man" category if i get the virus. neither of my conditions are curable. My current card expires in June. Why do I have to put myself at further risk to re-new?
The sickest people in Arizona that use Medical Marijuana should NOT have to be exposed to renew an Arizona Medical Marijuana Card. All my other medical appointments were taken care of by phone or video conference. This needs to be implemented for MM patients.
Telemedicine!
This would help make the process so much easier for a lot of people who may not be able to get out of their home
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As an RN, MSN I completely agree with the need to decrease exposure not only for the patient but for the providers as well. In addition; I am immune compromised due to Sarcoidosis diagnosis and do not want more exposure than absolutely necessary.