# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 24. Miscellaneous Provisions

### Subtitle 9. Opioid-associated Disease Prevention and Outreach Programs

#### Section 24-902

(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.

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Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)