1. (a) A Program shall:

   1. (1) Be designed and maintained to provide security of Program locations and equipment, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department;
   2. (2) Be operated to allow participants to obtain and return hypodermic needles and syringes at any Program location, if more than one location is available;
   3. (3) Include appropriate levels of staff expertise in working with individuals who inject drugs;
   4. (4) Include adequate staff training in providing community referrals, counseling, and preventive education;
   5. (5) Provide for the dissemination of other preventive means for curtailing the spread of HIV and viral hepatitis;

   6. (6) Provide linkage to additional services, including:

      1. (i) Substance-related disorder counseling, treatment, and recovery services;
      2. (ii) Testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases;
      3. (iii) Reproductive health education and services;
      4. (iv) Wound care; and
      5. (v) The services of an overdose response program under Title 13, Subtitle 31 of this article;
   7. (7) Educate participants on the dangers of contracting HIV and viral hepatitis;
   8. (8) Provide overdose prevention education and access to naloxone, or a referral for a participant to obtain naloxone;
   9. (9) Establish procedures for identifying Program participants that are consistent with the confidentiality provisions of this subtitle;
   10. (10) Establish a method of identification and authorization for Program staff members and Program volunteers who have access to hypodermic needles, syringes, or Program records; and
   11. (11) Develop a plan for data collection and Program evaluation in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department.

2. (b) A Program may offer additional services, including:

   1. (1) Substance-related disorder counseling, treatment, and recovery services;
   2. (2) Testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases;
   3. (3) Reproductive health education and services;
   4. (4) Wound care; and
   5. (5) The services of an overdose response program under Title 13, Subtitle 31 of this article.

3. (c) With the technical assistance of the Standing Advisory Committee, a Program shall develop:

   1. (1) Program operating procedures for the distribution, collection, and safe disposal of hypodermic needles and syringes;
   2. (2) A community outreach and education plan; and
   3. (3) A protocol for linking Program participants to substance-related disorder treatment and recovery services.

4. (d) After receiving technical assistance from the Standing Advisory Committee, a Program shall submit the operating procedures, plan for community outreach and education, and protocol for linking Program participants to substance-related disorder treatment and recovery services developed under subsection (c) of this section for approval to:

   1. (1) The local health officer for each county in which a Program is established; and
   2. (2) The Department.

Added by Acts 2016, c. 348, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2016.