Certifying a Patient

A Qualifying Patient certification is an electronic document executed by the Certifying Healthcare Provider in the Medical Use of Marijuana Program Online System.

The certification states—in the physician’s professional opinion—that the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana likely outweigh the health risks for the Qualifying Patient.

The certification must specify the Qualifying Patient’s debilitating medical condition and must indicate the time period of certification—not less than 15 calendar days, and not longer than one year.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Log on to https://provider.massciportal.com. 
2. Select ‘Certify’ (in upper right hand corner).
3. Enter the Qualifying Patient’s first and last name, date of birth, and last four digits of Social Security Number. If the Qualifying Patient already exists in the system, the personal information will appear.
4. Enter the Certifying Duration. Intervals can be 15 days, 60 days, 90 days, 180 days, 210 days, or 365 days.
5. Enter Certification Date. The system will automatically calculate the Certification Start and Expiration dates. The System will auto populate the Maximum Quantity for 60 days  (10.0 ounces/283.5 Grams). The Provider has the option to override Maximum Quantity in a 60 day period.
6. Provider Agrees to Attestation:
   • This is a Qualifying Patient with whom I have a bona fide healthcare provider-patient relationship.
   • I have had a clinical visit with this Qualifying Patient and completed a thorough assessment before submitting this certification.
   • I have reviewed the Massachusetts Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) to assess the Qualifying Patient’s prescription history and to coordinate the Qualifying Patient’s care at the time of his/her clinic visit.
   • As part of my clinical assessment of the Qualifying Patient, I have reviewed the risks of using marijuana for medical reasons with my Qualifying Patient and provided the Qualifying Patient with educational information.
   • I certify that this Qualifying Patient is currently suffering from the active debilitating medical condition as stated above and in my professional opinion, the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the Qualifying Patient.
   • If the debilitating medical condition is not life-limiting, I certify that I have determined that the benefits of the medical use of marijuana outweigh the risks, I have discussed the potential negative impacts on neurological development with the parent or legal guardian of the Qualifying Patient, and I have secured the written consent of the parent or legal guardian and documented the rationale in the Qualifying Patient’s medical record and in this certification.