Bill > HB2254

This bill amends the existing Medical Marijuana Act to establish a new chapter focused on compassionate access to medical marijuana, particularly for terminally ill patients within certain healthcare facilities. It defines "facility" to include healthcare facilities, long-term care nursing facilities, assisted living residences, and personal care homes, and clarifies that a "practitioner" is a healthcare practitioner. The bill permits these facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use or be administered medical marijuana, provided it doesn't interfere with their treatment plan, isn't vaporized or in a form that affects other patients, is in an approved form, and is documented in the patient's medical record. Facilities must develop written guidelines for medical marijuana use, including secure storage and patient safety measures, but are not required to allow its use in emergency services, emergency departments, or psychiatric facilities, nor are they obligated to administer it or provide recommendations. The bill also includes liability protection for facilities and their employees acting in good faith, and outlines penalties for violations, with provisions for suspending compliance if federal agencies take enforcement actions related to state-regulated programs. The Department of Health is tasked with developing sample guidelines and hosting educational sessions for facilities on the requirements of this new chapter.