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| Audit: Pot Program Failed To Follow Its Own Rules |
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Posted by FoM on June 12, 2001 at 07:01:08 PT By The Associated Press Source: Associated Press 
An internal audit of Oregon's medical marijuana program has found no evidence that doctors' signatures were ever verified before three forged registration cards were issued, prompting the reassignment of the program's manager. The 2-year-old medical marijuana program is understaffed, regularly misses its 30-day deadline for processing applications and has no clear procedure for denying incomplete applications, the internal management review found. "Oregonians expect our agency's services to meet the highest standards," said Bob Mink, director of the state Department of Human Services. "Unfortunately, our management of this program has fallen short of this goal." Oregon's Medical Marijuana Act, approved by voters in 1998, allows people suffering from cancer, glaucoma, AIDS and other conditions to use marijuana with a doctor's permission. The review was prompted last month by the suspension of three registration cards, after it was found that the doctor's signature on the patients' applications had been forged. Four other applications carrying the same forged signature were caught before cards were issued to patients. All seven cases have been turned over the Oregon State Police. Mink said from now on, every application will be verified in writing with the patient's physician. He also pledged to eliminate the backlog -- now at about 780 applications -- by adding staff. Until February, manager Kelly Paige ran the program with only a half-time, temporary support person. She has been temporarily reassigned to another job in the Health Division, as is customary during an internal management investigation. Mink declined to say whether she would return to her old job but said she would continue working for the Health Division. About 2,200 patients have received registration cards under Oregon's medical marijuana program. About 560 doctors have signed applications. Staff members are required to confirm, by telephone or letter, the doctor's signature. The first forgery was detected in February, when a staff member noticed that the handwriting of the doctor's on-file signature did not match the signature on the patient's application. The staff member called the doctor, who said he never signed a request for that particular patient. The internal review also found that the program does not have an adequate process for denying incomplete applications. Until an application is denied, applicants enjoy the same rights as cardholders. At least 468 voided cards cannot be accounted for, and the program has failed to inform patients of their legal responsibilities. For example, it does not tell applicants that their cards are considered expired if they move or change doctors without notifying the state. On the Net: Stormy Ray Foundation: http://www.stormyray.org/ Oregon Department of Human Services: http://www.hr.state.or.us/ Source: Associated Press Related Articles: Oregon's MMJ Used Mostly To Treat Severe Pain Oregon Offers Help on Marijuana Rules Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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Comment #1 posted by Ethan Russo, MD on June 12, 2001 at 08:37:04 PT:
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| I have worked with Kelly Page, and found her to be incredibly dedicated, interested and helpful. It would be hard to imagine that this agency would find a better, more competent and diligent person to do the job. How about more help for an overworked, underpaid, and under-appreciated civil servant of the first rank? [ Post Comment ] |
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