BOARD BANS VIDEO EXAMS FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

In a move aimed at ending Internet-based video examinations for people
seeking approval to use medical marijuana, the Montana Board of
Medical Examiners said Friday that medical doctors must conduct
hands-on physical examinations of those patients to meet the board's
standards of care.

"Initiating a new treatment for a chronic condition requires a
physical examination, period," said Dr. Dean Center, a board member
based in Bozeman. "The exclusive use of teleconference methods to
certify individuals does not meet this level of standard of care," the
board said in a new addendum to a position paper first released in
May.

The move may not eliminate the video examinations, but it could
subject doctors to disciplinary action if they continue the practice.
The board does not actively seek out doctors for discipline, but
investigates complaints about substandard care.

Formal marijuana-related complaints to the board have been few,
despite concerns of doctors and other medical professionals that
patients are getting the marijuana cards against their medical advice.
Board Executive Director Jean Branscum said that in many cases those
professionals cannot determine who certified the patient's need for
the marijuana, and so are unable to file complaints to the board.

Board members agreed that their previous stance was inadequate. Then,
the board said it would be difficult -- not impossible -- to meet
standards of care using remote video exams.

Some medical marijuana providers in the state connect potential
customers with doctors who use the web video service Skype for the
examinations required to obtain medical marijuana cards.

The website of the Missoula-based Montana Caregivers Network
advertises "TeleClinics" to help potential customers get their cards.

"Visit the Doctor from anywhere!" the site says. "Got a computer? You
can visit the Doctor, online, and get your green card. Doctors are
available all day long, every day!"

Montana Caregivers Network owner Jason Christ did not respond to a
request for comment. But a spokesman for the group said this summer
that the video examinations are needed for people who cannot travel
and whose regular physician will not recommend the drug.

The board has no authority on the marijuana providers
themselves.

Board members noted that the Legislature is likely to change the
medical marijuana law in the upcoming session, probably requiring the
board to modify its position again. A legislative panel this summer
recommended the complete elimination of the video consultations as
well as traveling clinics, which have signed up large numbers of users
after short medical consultations.