Section 24-902 - Establishment of Programs(a)(1) A Program may be established by a local health department or a community-based organization, subject to the provisions of this subtitle.(2)(i) A county may cooperate with another county to establish a Program.(ii) A community-based organization may establish a multicounty Program.(3) This subtitle does not apply to the AIDS Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program established under Subtitle 8 of this title.(b)(1)(i) A local health department or community-based organization shall apply to the Department and a local health officer for authorization to operate a Program.(ii) A local health department or community-based organization may apply at any time for authorization to operate a Program under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.(2) The Department and a local health officer jointly shall issue an authorization determination based on the ability of a Program to meet the requirements of this subtitle.(3) The Department and a local health officer shall:(i) Approve or deny an application for authorization to operate a Program within 60 days after receiving a complete application; and(ii) Provide to the applicant a written explanation of the decision of the Department and local health officer.(4)(i) A local health department or community-based organization may appeal an adverse decision by the Department and a local health officer to the Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services.(ii) The Deputy Secretary shall:1. Grant or deny an appeal within 60 days after receiving an appeal; and2. Provide a written explanation of the Deputy Secretary's decision to the local health department or community-based organization.(c) If established under subsection (a) of this section, a Program shall:(1) Provide for substance use outreach, education, and linkage to treatment services to participants, including distribution and collection of hypodermic needles and syringes; and(2) Operate in accordance with:(i) The technical assistance of the Standing Advisory Committee; and(ii) The procedures, plans, and protocols approved by:1. The local health officer for each county in which a Program is established; andAdded by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 348,Sec. 2, eff. 10/1/2016.