Who determines whether a patient needs a primary caregiver?

A physician, physician assistant (PA) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who certifies a patient for the palliative use of marijuana is also responsible for assessing whether the patient needs a primary caregiver. The Department of Consumer Protection will not register a primary caregiver for a patient unless the need for the caregiver is documented by the patient's physician, PA or APRN in his or her written certification to the Department.