How Can Medical Practitioners (Doctors and APRNs) Get Licensed to Provide Medical Marijuana Cards to KY Patients?

The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program provides a structured pathway for physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to become licensed to issue medical marijuana certifications to qualified patients. Here’s a quick guide for healthcare providers interested in navigating this process:

1. Authorization Process

Medical practitioners interested in recommending medical cannabis must first seek authorization from their respective licensing boards. Physicians must apply through the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure (KBML), while APRNs apply via the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). Applicants must submit proof of licensure, DEA registration, and payment of a $100 non-refundable application fee. Both boards require continuing education to maintain knowledge on medical cannabis and associated conditions.

2. Medical Cannabis Practitioner Registry

After receiving board authorization, practitioners must register with the Medical Cannabis Practitioner Registry, managed by the Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC). This registry provides a secure platform for documenting and managing certifications issued to patients.

3. Issuing Certifications

To certify a patient for medical cannabis, practitioners must establish a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship, confirm the qualifying condition, and conduct a review of the patient’s prescription history via the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) system. They must also counsel patients on potential risks, obtain parental consent for minors, and record the certification within 24 hours of examination.

4. Qualifying Conditions

Kentucky limits medical cannabis use to patients with specific conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD. Practitioners can customize supply limits and permissible formats of medical cannabis based on each patient’s therapeutic needs.

5. Compliance and Renewal

Practitioners must renew their authorization annually and maintain compliance with the state’s medical cannabis standards, with violations potentially leading to suspension or revocation of licensure.

By following these steps, Kentucky practitioners can become authorized to help patients access medical cannabis, supporting safe, compliant access to alternative treatments. If you have any questions about getting certified or providing care, call us at (859) 474-0001.