Posted by John Jacob, a health communications writer and editor at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Today's meeting of the Public Health Council began with  the consideration of a Determination of Need (DoN) request for a transfer of ownership of Cooley-Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, by which Massachusetts General Hospital would become its sole corporate member. Following a discussion of the merits of the DoN request, the Public Health Council voted to approve it.

Following that, the Council deliberated the merits of final regulations brought to the Council by the Department on the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Following a lengthy discussion between Council members and DPH staff, the final regulations were approved. Click here to see the final and approved regulations, and here for an updated FAQ on next steps in the process of implementing them.