(d) In order for an entity to be authorized to conduct a project pursuant to this chapter, its application to the department shall demonstrate that the entity complies with all of the following minimum standards:

1. (1) The entity provides, directly or through referral, all of the following services:

   1. (A) Drug abuse treatment services.
   2. (B) HIV or hepatitis screening.
   3. (C) Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination.
   4. (D) Screening for sexually transmitted infections.
   5. (E) Housing services for the homeless, for victims of domestic violence, or other similar housing services.
   6. (F) Services related to provision of education and materials for the reduction of sexual risk behaviors, including, but not limited to, the distribution of condoms.
2. (2) The entity has the capacity to commence needle and syringe exchange services within three months of authorization.

3. (3) The entity has adequate funding to do all of the following at reasonably projected program participation levels:

   1. (A) Provide needles and syringe exchange services for all of its participants.
   2. (B) Provide HIV and viral hepatitis prevention education services for all of its participants.
   3. (C) Provide for the safe recovery and disposal of used syringes and sharps waste from all of its participants.

4. (4) The entity has the capacity, and an established plan, to collect evaluative data in order to assess program impact, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

   1. (A) The total number of persons served.
   2. (B) The total number of needles and syringes distributed, recovered, and disposed of.
   3. (C) The total numbers and types of referrals to drug treatment and other services.

(e) If the application is provisionally deemed appropriate by the department, the department shall, at least 45 days prior to approval of the application, provide for a period of public comment as follows:

1. (1) Post on the department’s internet website the name of the applicant, the nature of the services, and the location where the applying entity will provide the services.
2. (2) Send a written and an email notice to the local health officer of the affected jurisdiction.
3. (3) Send a written and an email notice to the chief of police, the sheriff, or both, as appropriate, of the jurisdictions in which the program will operate.

(h)

1. (1) Needle and syringe exchange services application submissions, authorizations, and operations performed pursuant to this chapter shall be exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act, Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code.
2. (2) This subdivision is intended to be declaratory of existing law.