Matthew Hamilton is reporting at Capitol Confidential the state Department of Health Tue., Nov. 22, officially filed amendments and proposed rules expanding New York’s medical marijuana program. The new rules will allow the department to authorize nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify patients. The changes were expected and conform with proposals issued by the Department of Health in August. A decision will be made sometime next week on the use of medical marijuana for patients suffering from chronic pain. More than 10,500 patients have been certified for the program by registered physicians to date. The regulation allowing nurse practitioners to certify patients will take effect Nov. 30. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.