Patient’s Use of

Medical Marijuana

New Corporate Policy March 20, 2013

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Patient's Use of Medical Marijuana

*NEW* Corporate Policy

The goal of this policy is to assist all members of the health care team to safely manage the use of medical marijuana

This policy applies ONLY to inpatients that have a valid authorization to possess medical marijuana from Health Canada

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Patient's Use of Medical Marijuana

On Admission (or in Preadmission Clinic) Document the use of medical marijuana on the BPMH

The patient will be assessed whether it is appropriate for a patient to continue to use medical marijuana during hospitalization. The assessment must be confirmed with the MRP or Consulting Physician prior to an order being placed.

It will not be appropriate for most patients to continue marijuana in hospital because of their acute condition(s) and/or impaired mobility.

MRP’sare not obligated to order medical marijuana for use during admission.

Sativex® is available for use at LHSC as an alternative product for patients authorized to use medical marijuana.

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Patient's Use of Medical Marijuana

Ordering Medical Marijuana If the patient insists on continuing to use medical marijuana & the MRP is agreeable

MRP’s are encouraged to have a conversation with their Residents and Clinical Fellows regarding their thoughts about in hospital use of medical marijuana

The MRP must order medical marijuana if it is to continue. This order can be delegated via telephone or verbal order to Resident or Clinical Fellow but must be co-signed within 24 hours

Write an order that the patient may use own marijuana during hospitalization specifying route and frequency.

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Patient's Use of Medical Marijuana

For Patients Using Medical Marijuana Patients must be provided a brochure for marijuana use

Patients must sign a contract for use of medical marijuana that outlines the use of medical marijuana under LHSC policy.

The contract is to be completed by the patient with someone from the health care team signing as a witness and placed in the health care record.

A copy of the patient’s authorization to possess marijuana is placed on the chart.

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Patient's Use of Medical Marijuana

Handling Marijuana Patients must use their own supply of medical marijuana.

Patients must keep their authorization card and marijuana product on their person at all times.

It is federal law that only the person that holds an authorization card to possess marijuana may handle the product.

Staff and affiliates may not assist patients in storing or handling their medical marijuana

• Exception: if a patient is suddenly incapacitated, the policy allows for witnessed, temporary storage of marijuana in the narcotic cupboard.

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Patient's Use of Medical Marijuana

Patients Using Marijuana Notify Security if a patient has been ordered medical marijuana to be continued during hospitalization to advise and escort to a designated smoking area

Marijuana may be used in a patient’s room or hospital building if being ingested (as a tea or in food)

Marijuana MUST be used outside of hospital buildings if being inhaled (smoked, vaporizer)

Use of marijuana (or presumed use, if patient goes outside) is documented on the MAR

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Patient's Use of Medical Marijuana

Patients that go outside to use Marijuana

A schedule will be arranged through discussion between the patient and RN

Security will escort patients to a secure location to use their marijuana away from other patients and staff to limit exposure to second hand marijuana smoke.

Document in the health care record as per the policy

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Patient's Use of Medical Marijuana

Discharge

Discharge prescriptions should NOT be written for medical marijuana as they are not valid.

Marijuana can be crossed off the printed discharge prescription

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Patient's Use of Medical Marijuana

Questions? Contacts

Nursing Professional PracticeOR Pharmacy