MMP Patients can now submit dispensary facility transfers electronically, receive automatic approval
MAY 27, 2021 — The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Drug Control Division in partnership with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Bureau for Enterprise Software and Technology (BEST) has created an electronic process for patients enrolled in the Medical Marijuana Program to change their preferred dispensary facility online, effectively eliminating wait times for approval.
"We've been working hard since day one to streamline processes that affect everything from your ability to visit the DMV less to improving your experience filing your taxes, to increasing access to medical care and access to medication you need to stay healthy," said Governor Ned Lamont. "This update to our State's nation-leading medical marijuana program will ensure that more patients can access their medication in the most convenient place, and where they feel the safest and most secure."
“This is an exciting update for patients who may need to change their preferred dispensary facility,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. “We are always looking for ways to streamline and improve our processes in an increasingly digital world to make things easier and faster for consumers.”
“This change will virtually eliminate wait times for approval and reduce paperwork for patients as well as DCP staff,” said Drug Control Director Rod Marriott. “Patients should be able to quickly and easily update their preferred dispensary facility online, and now they can. This is one of many improvements we have made to the program in recent years. For example, over the past few years we also moved to a digital card system that eliminates temporary cards and waiting for cards in the mail.”
"I want to thank our information technology team at BEST and the dedicated staff at DCP for their commitment to using technology to solve everyday problems and to deliver quality services our residents deserve and expect from us," said Chief Operating Officer and DAS Commissioner Josh Geballe. "These changes help people gain access to their medication more easily, while still maintaining the security required to run this program, a good example of how we can use technology to help our residents get easier access to quality medical care."
Previously, patients were required to fill out a form that was sent by physical or electronic mail, and manually processed by DCP staff. Approvals took up to 24 business hours, leaving patients waiting on weekends and holidays. Now, patients will receive automatic approval of their dispensary facility transfer as soon as they click submit in the online form.
It is important that patients check with the new dispensary facility before making the change because they can only transfer once in 24 hours. A patient may change their dispensary facility up to four times per year.
How It Works:
- Submissions will be completed electronically, by logging into the approved patient registration at BizNet.ct.gov
- Click the “Change Dispensary Facility” button to initiate the change.
- Select the new dispensary facility and click the “save” button. The change is in effect immediately after the “save” button is clicked and processed
Patients with questions, concerns, or comments may contact the MMP via email at dcp.mmp@ct.gov.