Telehealth Consent & Agreement

Telehealth Informed Consent Agreement

Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Last Updated: January 1, 2025

This Telehealth Informed Consent Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between you ("Patient," "you," or "your") and MDJ Technology LLC, doing business as MMJ.com, and its affiliated licensed healthcare providers ("Company," "MMJ.com," "we," "us," or "our"). By using our telehealth services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement.

1. Purpose and Scope of Telehealth Services

1.1 Definition of Telehealth

Telehealth (also known as telemedicine) is the delivery of healthcare services through electronic communications, including real-time video conferencing, audio calls, and secure messaging platforms. These services allow you to consult with a licensed healthcare provider remotely without an in-person office visit.

1.2 Services Provided

MMJ.com provides telehealth consultations for the purpose of:

Evaluating patients for medical marijuana certification eligibility
Issuing medical marijuana recommendations/certifications where legally permitted
Conducting certification renewals for existing patients
Providing follow-up consultations as needed

1.3 Scope Limitations

Our telehealth services are limited to medical marijuana evaluations and certifications only. We do not provide:

Primary care services
Emergency medical care
Prescription of controlled substances other than medical marijuana recommendations
Treatment for acute or life-threatening conditions
Completion of disability, workers' compensation, or FMLA forms
Employment-related medical documentation requiring in-person evaluation

2. Informed Consent for Telehealth

2.1 Voluntary Participation

Your participation in telehealth services is entirely voluntary. You have the right to:

Refuse telehealth services at any time
Request an in-person evaluation instead
Withdraw consent and discontinue the telehealth session at any point
Request a referral to an in-person provider

2.2 Understanding of Telehealth

By consenting to telehealth services, you acknowledge and understand that:

Telehealth involves the communication of your medical information using electronic technology
Your healthcare provider will not be in the same physical location as you during the consultation
The provider will conduct a medical evaluation based on the information you provide and visual/audio observations possible through the technology platform
Telehealth is a legitimate method of healthcare delivery recognized by medical boards and state regulatory agencies

2.3 Patient Responsibilities

You agree to:

Provide accurate, complete, and truthful information about your medical history, current health status, and any medications you are taking
Participate in the telehealth session from a private, quiet location
Ensure your device has adequate audio and video capabilities
Have a stable internet connection for the duration of the consultation
Present valid government-issued identification when requested
Provide proof of residency in the state where you are seeking certification

3. Benefits and Risks of Telehealth

3.1 Potential Benefits

Convenience: Access healthcare from your home or any private location
Reduced exposure: No risk of exposure to illnesses in waiting rooms
Accessibility: Services available to those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges
Efficiency: Shorter wait times and streamlined appointment scheduling
Privacy: Consultations from a location of your choosing

3.2 Potential Risks and Limitations

You understand and acknowledge that telehealth has limitations, including:

Technical Limitations:

Technical difficulties may interrupt or terminate the session unexpectedly
Poor audio/video quality may limit the provider's ability to evaluate you
Electronic systems may fail or be subject to security breaches despite safeguards

Clinical Limitations:

The provider cannot perform a physical examination
Certain conditions may not be accurately diagnosed without in-person evaluation
The provider may determine that telehealth is not appropriate for your situation and recommend in-person care
Visual assessments are limited by camera quality and lighting conditions

Communication Limitations:

Miscommunication may occur due to technology constraints
Non-verbal cues may be harder to interpret through video
There may be delays in communication that could affect care

3.3 No Guarantee of Certification

You understand that:

A telehealth evaluation does not guarantee approval for medical marijuana certification
The provider will make an independent medical judgment based on their evaluation
If you do not qualify, you will receive a full refund of the evaluation fee per our money-back guarantee policy
State program approval is separate from provider certification and is subject to state requirements

4. Privacy, Confidentiality, and HIPAA Compliance

4.1 HIPAA Compliance

MMJ.com is committed to protecting your Protected Health Information (PHI) in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information.

4.2 Encryption and Security

All telehealth sessions are conducted through HIPAA-compliant platforms
Video and audio transmissions are encrypted using industry-standard encryption protocols
Your medical records are stored in secure, encrypted databases
Access to your information is restricted to authorized personnel only

4.3 Confidentiality

Your consultation is confidential and will be treated with the same privacy standards as an in-person medical visit. However, you acknowledge that:

Electronic communications carry inherent risks of interception, despite security measures
You are responsible for ensuring privacy at your location during the consultation
Third parties at your location may overhear your conversation
We cannot guarantee the privacy of information transmitted over the internet

4.4 Recording Policy

Telehealth sessions are not recorded by MMJ.com without your explicit written consent
You agree not to record the telehealth session without the express written consent of the healthcare provider
Unauthorized recording may be a violation of state and federal law

4.5 Information Sharing

Your medical information may be shared:

With the state medical marijuana program as required for certification
With healthcare providers involved in your care when medically necessary
As required by law, court order, or regulatory requirement
For treatment, payment, and healthcare operations as permitted by HIPAA

5. Technology Requirements

5.1 Equipment Requirements

To participate in telehealth services, you must have:

A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a working camera and microphone
A stable, high-speed internet connection (minimum 1.5 Mbps recommended)
A current web browser or our designated telehealth application
A private, well-lit location for the consultation

5.2 Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulties:

Contact our support team at support@mmj.com or 1-888-MMJ-8178
We will attempt to troubleshoot issues or reschedule your appointment
Technical difficulties do not constitute grounds for refund if the session can be rescheduled

5.3 Alternative Methods

If video technology fails during your session, the provider may:

Attempt to reconnect via video
Continue the consultation via telephone if clinically appropriate
Reschedule the appointment for a later time

6. Physician-Patient Relationship

6.1 Establishment of Relationship

A physician-patient relationship is established during your telehealth consultation for the limited purpose of evaluating your eligibility for medical marijuana certification.

6.2 Scope of Relationship

This relationship is limited to:

The specific telehealth evaluation conducted
Follow-up communications related to your certification
Renewal evaluations if you continue using our services

6.3 Not Your Primary Care Provider

The healthcare provider conducting your telehealth evaluation:

Is not your primary care physician
Does not replace your existing healthcare providers
Will not manage your overall health or other medical conditions
Recommends that you maintain a relationship with a primary care provider

7. Emergency Situations

7.1 Not for Emergencies

Telehealth services are NOT appropriate for medical emergencies.

7.2 Emergency Instructions

If you experience a medical emergency:

Call 911 immediately
Go to the nearest emergency room
Do not wait for or attempt to contact MMJ.com

7.3 Crisis Resources

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Emergency services: 911

8. State-Specific Requirements

8.1 State Licensure

All healthcare providers conducting telehealth evaluations through MMJ.com are licensed in the state where you are located at the time of the evaluation.

8.2 State Program Compliance

Medical marijuana certifications are issued in compliance with each state's medical marijuana program requirements
You are responsible for completing state registration and paying any applicable state fees
Certification does not guarantee state program approval
You must comply with all state laws regarding medical marijuana possession, use, and purchase

8.3 Location Requirement

You must be physically located in a state where MMJ.com is authorized to provide services at the time of your telehealth consultation. Misrepresenting your location may result in:

Denial of services
Revocation of any certification issued
Potential legal consequences

9. Fees, Payment, and Refund Policy

9.1 Evaluation Fee

The evaluation fee is disclosed at the time of booking and must be paid prior to your consultation.

9.2 State Fees

State registration fees are separate from our evaluation fee and are paid directly to the state. These fees are not refundable by MMJ.com.

9.3 Money-Back Guarantee

If you do not qualify for medical marijuana certification after your evaluation, you will receive a 100% refund of the evaluation fee. This guarantee does not apply if:

You fail to attend your scheduled appointment
You provide false or misleading information
You do not meet state residency requirements
You are denied by the state program after receiving provider certification

9.4 Refund Processing

Refunds are processed within 5-7 business days to the original payment method.

10. Certification Process

10.1 Certification Delivery

If approved, your certification will be:

Emailed to the email address you provided during registration
Sent within 24 hours of your evaluation (in most cases, immediately)
Formatted according to your state's requirements

10.2 Your Responsibility

You are responsible for:

Verifying the accuracy of your email address
Completing state registration using your certification
Paying any applicable state fees
Following your state's registration process

10.3 Certification Validity

Your certification is valid according to your state's requirements (typically 1-2 years). Renewal evaluations are required before expiration to maintain your patient status.

11. Limitation of Liability

11.1 No Warranty

Telehealth services are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not warrant that:

Services will be uninterrupted or error-free
Technical issues will not occur
All information transmitted will be secure

11.2 Limitation

To the maximum extent permitted by law, MMJ.com and its affiliated healthcare providers shall not be liable for:

Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
Damages arising from technical failures or interruptions
Damages arising from your misuse of services or violation of this Agreement
Any amount exceeding the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim

11.3 Medical Decisions

You acknowledge that medical decisions are ultimately your responsibility. The information and recommendations provided during telehealth consultations are intended to assist you in making informed decisions about your healthcare.

12. Acknowledgment and Consent

By proceeding with MMJ.com telehealth services, you acknowledge and agree that:

You have read and understand this Telehealth Informed Consent Agreement
You have had the opportunity to ask questions about telehealth services
You voluntarily consent to participate in telehealth evaluation
You understand the benefits, risks, and limitations of telehealth
You agree to provide accurate and complete information
You understand that telehealth is not appropriate for emergencies
You consent to the transmission of your medical information as described
You agree to the terms regarding fees, refunds, and payment
You are at least 18 years of age or have parental/guardian consent
You are physically located in a state where MMJ.com provides services

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Agreement or our telehealth services:

MDJ Technology LLC (MMJ.com)
6090 Royalton Road PMB 316
Cleveland, OH 44133

Email: support@mmj.com
Phone: 1-888-MMJ-8178 (1-888-665-8178)

Hours: 7 days a week, 9 AM - 9 PM EST

14. Modifications to This Agreement

We reserve the right to modify this Agreement at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to our website. Your continued use of telehealth services after any modification constitutes acceptance of the updated Agreement.

This Telehealth Informed Consent Agreement is effective as of the date you access or use MMJ.com telehealth services.