A caregiver is a person designated by a qualifying patient if the patient is physically disabled or requires assistance with the use or acquisition of medical cannabis from distribution facility. The designation of a caregiver requires the certification of the patient’s physician or health worker and a signed written agreement to be the patient’s caregiver.
Application for registration to the medical cannabis program by the patients and caregivers shall start June 1, 2015, through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH or “Department”). The law requires that a caregiver may only be registered with one qualifying patient, unless the other patients reside in the same residence.
Requirements
- Must be designated by a qualifying patient as his caregiver
- At least 21 years old
- Registered with the Department of Health as the qualifying patient’s caregiver
- Not currently serving as caregiver for another qualifying patient, unless the patients reside in the same residence
- Must undergo criminal background check to show the designated caregiver does not have any conviction for disqualifying felony offense.
- Must agree to assist a registered patient on the use of medical cannabis for the benefit of the patient
Becoming a Caregiver
Step 1: Apply for registration in the cannabis program using a form provided by the Department.
Step 2: Obtain a signed written certification from a physician that the qualifying patient for whom the applicant-caregiver shall be rendering service is physically disabled and unable to self-administer medication or obtain medical cannabis from a distribution facility.
Step 3: Must pay the registration fee of $200 and the cost of the criminal background check.
Step 4: If the Department determines that the application is complete and no basis for denial exists, the Department shall approve the application.