Petitioners were required to provide reasons, answer questions, attach scientific research papers, and submit letters of recommendation from physicians before submitting their requests, which were due at the end of August 2016. The petitions then were posted online, and the health department invited public comment. The panel then had to hold two hearings to take more comment. After the panel took a vote on the petitions at a May hearing, it was told by the health department that it had to hold yet another hearing in September and take a final vote in October.