Rule 511-2-9-.05 - Policies and Procedures Manual(1) Each Program shall develop a Policies and Procedures Manual for operation of a Syringe Services Program. Such Manual shall include:(a) A protocol strictly limiting the disclosure of protected health information, including HIV status, in compliance with HIPAA, O.C.G.A. § 24-12-21, and all other provisions of federal and state laws and rules, accompanied by a protocol for handling breaches of privacy.(b) A plan for the provision of substance abuse and harm reduction counseling, education, and referral services for: 1. Substance abuse disorder treatment;2. Training and provision of naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses;3. Screening for HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis prevention, treatment, and care services, including immunizations;4. Safer injection supplies; and5. Evidence-based interventions to reduce negative consequences of drug-related behaviors.(c) A Site biosafety plan, which shall include:1. Engineering and work practice controls designed to reduce the likelihood of exposure by Program Staff and Consumers to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially biohazardous materials;2. A protocol for the safe and secure disposal of syringes and related supplies in compliance with federal and state law;3. A protocol for the management of needlestick injuries and splash exposures, which shall include the designation of an exposure manager who must be present during operating hours, a procedure for Staff to immediately report needlesticks and splash exposures, and a process for an injured individual to receive post-exposure prophylaxis or other appropriate medical care;4. A Staff training plan, which shall include education regarding Universal Precautions, safe handling of syringes, confidentiality protocols, bloodborne pathogen infection control, and other subjects deemed necessary by the Department for the safe operation of the Program.(d) A Site security plan, which shall be provided to all law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over each Program Site and shall include: 1. Provisions for reasonable and adequate security of program Sites, equipment, and personnel;2. Operational procedures to protect inventory from loss or theft and ensure the secure storage, distribution, and disposal of syringes;3. Provisions for the regular retrieval of any syringes or other trash discarded within three hundred feet of a fixed or mobile Program Site.(e) A plan for enlisting community support and addressing community concerns related to the implementation of the Program; and(f) A data collection protocol for recording the information that must be reported to the Department in accordance with Rule 511-2-9-.04(3)(g).Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 511-2-9-.05
O.C.G.A. § 16-13-32.
Original Rule entitled "Policies and Procedures Manual" adopted. F. July 27, 2020; eff. August 16, 2020.