§ 24–902
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 24-902 (2026)
Title 24. Miscellaneous Provisions
Subtitle 9. Opioid–associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs
§ 24–902LinkCopy Citation
(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 Secretary or the Secretary’s designee.
(ii)
The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall:
(1)
Grant or deny an appeal within 60 days after receiving an appeal; and
(2)
Provide a written explanation of the Secretary’s or the Secretary’s designee’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; and
(2)
The Department.