As psychedelic clinics may be coming into the forefront especially in states such as Oregon and Colorado who have passed laws to move forward with their development, it will be important to move forward with regulations mindfully to avoid any unnecessary harm. Ketamine clinics have provided a sort of example for this in recent years, and Utah in particular has implemented some written laws to assist in their standardization. These can potentially be used as a guide for psilocybin clinics in the future.
**The Ketamine Papers: Science, Therapy, and Transformation**
The Ketamine Papers, edited by Phil Wolfson, M.D., and Glenn Hartelius, Ph.D., is an extraordinary collection of essays that goes beyond viewing ketamine as just another molecule. If you’re interested in the promise of ketamine in psychiatry or exploring the nature of mind and reality, this book is a valuable resource. It provides insights into ketamine’s therapeutic potential, safety considerations, and transformational experiences.
**Understanding Utah’s Regulations**
Earlier this year, Utah passed a law directly impacting ketamine clinics. The law focuses on anesthesia and sedation requirements, emphasizing unprofessional conduct implications for healthcare providers and whistleblower protections. Here are the key points:
1. Informed Consent: Anesthesia or sedation providers administering moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia must provide written and verbal information to patients. This includes details about the level of anesthesia or sedation, provider identity, training qualifications, and monitoring procedures.
2. Patient Consent: After providing information, obtaining written and verbal consent from the patient is essential.
3. Provider Qualifications: Providers must have appropriate training related to anesthesia or sedation.
4. Supervision: Providers must directly supervise patients during procedures.
5. Certifications: Pediatric advanced life support certification is required for treating minors; advanced cardiovascular life support certification is necessary for adults.
**Proposed Amendments Specific to Ketamine Clinics**
Recently, Utah proposed additional requirements specifically targeting ketamine clinics. If passed into law:
– Ketamine clinics using ketamine for non-anesthetic purposes will need to have at least one individual on-site with advanced airway training. This person should recognize and treat airway complications promptly.
**Conclusion**
A robust protocol for administering psychedelics involves informed consent, qualified providers, vigilant monitoring, and adherence to state regulations. By integrating insights from The Ketamine Papers with Utah’s legal framework, we can create safer and more effective practices in mental health treatment.
Remember that while psychedelics hold promise, they require responsible administration within a supportive therapeutic context.
Note: in Colorado, the timeline to develop regulations via the recently passed Natural Medicine Act are as follows:
- By January 31, 2023, the Governor shall appoint the initial Natural Medicine Advisory Board
- Beginning June 30, 2024, in coordination with the state licensing authority pursuant to section 44-50-202 (1)(k), annually publish a publicly available report concerning the implementation and administration of this article 170 and article 50 of title 44. The report must use relevant data, as determined by the director and the state licensing authority, and must not disclose the identity of any participant or include any information that could disclose the identity of a participant
- No later than December 31, 2024 – Adopt rules to establish qualifications, education, and training requirements for facilitators and approve required training programs
- No later than December 31, 2024 – Review applications in the form and manner determined by the director for new licenses, registrations, permits, or certificates after payment of the required fee and to grant or deny licenses, registrations, permits, or certificates as provided in this article 170 or a rule promulgated pursuant to this article 170. The division shall prioritize reviewing applications from applicants who have established residency in Colorado.
- Until June 1, 2026, the term “natural medicine” only includes psilocybin and psilocin.
- After June 1, 2026, if recommended by the Natural Medicine Advisory Board, the Department may add one or more of the following to the term “Natural Medicine”: dimethyltryptamine, ibogaine, and mescaline (excluding lophophora williamsii (peyote); may adopt rules prior.
- September 30, 2032 – This article 170 is repealed. Before the repeal, this article 170 is scheduled for review in accordance with section 24-34-104.
The Psychedelic Osteopath 