CIC releases cannabis clinic good practice guide
A good practice guide for prescription cannabis clinics has been published by the Cannabis Industry Council (CIC).
The guidance includes 10 principles of good practice, as well as five specific policies for clinics to implement. The aim of the good practice guide is to encourage ethical and responsible operations, build industry collaboration, and deliver improved patient outcomes.
This good practice guide is intended to supplement the work of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It avoids creating new regulatory bodies, additional costs, or unnecessary layers of bureaucracy, instead focusing on practical measures to improve patient care.
The 10 principles of good practice are broadly as follows:
- Regulator Compliance – Clinics must register with the CQC and adhere to relevant regulations. Inititaing prescribers must be on the GMC Specialist Register and have indemnity insurance.
- Clinic Oversight – Clinics must have a Registered Manager responsible for compliance with CQC regulations and the oversight of all policies and procedures.
- Staffing and Initial Training – Clinics must ensure adequate staffing, with all patient-facing staff trained in cannabis medicine and customer care.
- Ongoing Reviews – Regular reviews of prescriptions and patient outcomes should be conducted to ensure safety and compliance.
- Prescriptions – Clinics should have policies for both face-to-face and remote consultations, Prescriptions must be based on thorough patient evaluations, including GP records.
- Product Quality – All prescribed products must meet regulatory standards for purity and quality, including compliance with applicable standards.
- Data Protection and Sharing – Clinics must maintain appropriate clinical records, ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and patient confidentiality.
- Advertising and Marketing – Advertising must comply with applicable Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Blue Book guidelines.
- Complaints Process – A transparent and accessible complaints process must be in place, allowing patients to raise issues confidentially and ensuring quick and fair resolutions.
- Linked Pharmacy – Clinics may have a linked pharmacy, but patients should not feel pressured to use a specific pharmacy.
CIC Co-Chairs Jamie Bartley and Dr Callie Seaman said:
“The Cannabis Industry Council believes that prescription cannabis clinics must ensure that they are operating ethically and responsibly, to further enhance trust among patients and stakeholders.
“By following these guidelines, clinics can showcase their commitment to good practice and improved patient outcomes.
“The CIC looks forward to engaging with clinics on this guidance, and supporting their pivotal role within our healthcare system.”
There are over 40 clinics and around 140 prescribers in the private cannabis industry. The private prescription market has grown by 83% annually since 2021, according to a recent freedom of information request.
To view the good practice guide, please visit – https://www.cicouncil.org.uk/app/uploads/2024/10/CIC24_10-Good-Practice-Guide-for-Medical-Cannabis-Clinics.pdf
