Section 24-903 - Operation and services; development of procedures, outreach plans, and protocols(a) A Program shall: (1) Be designed and maintained to provide security of Program locations and equipment, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department;(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) Include appropriate levels of staff expertise in working with individuals who inject drugs;(4) Include adequate staff training in providing community referrals, counseling, and preventive education;(5) Provide for the dissemination of other preventive means for curtailing the spread of HIV and viral hepatitis;(6) Provide linkage to additional services, including:(i) Substance-related disorder counseling, treatment, and recovery services;(ii) Testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases;(iii) Reproductive health education and services;(v) The services of an overdose response program under Title 13, Subtitle 31 of this article;(7) Educate participants on the dangers of contracting HIV and viral hepatitis;(8) Provide overdose prevention education and access to naloxone, or a referral for a participant to obtain naloxone;(9) Establish procedures for identifying Program participants that are consistent with the confidentiality provisions of this subtitle;(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) Develop a plan for data collection and Program evaluation in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department.(b) A Program may offer additional services, including: (1) Substance-related disorder counseling, treatment, and recovery services;(2) Testing for HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases;(3) Reproductive health education and services;(5) The services of an overdose response program under Title 13, Subtitle 31 of this article.(c) With the technical assistance of the Standing Advisory Committee, a Program shall develop: (1) Program operating procedures for the distribution, collection, and safe disposal of hypodermic needles and syringes;(2) A community outreach and education plan; and(3) A protocol for linking Program participants to substance-related disorder treatment and recovery services.(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) 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.