A Program may be established by a local health department or a community–based organization, subject to the provisions of this subtitle. A county may cooperate with another county to establish a Program. A community–based organization may establish a multicounty Program. This subtitle does not apply to the AIDS Prevention Sterile Needle and Syringe Exchange Pilot Program established under Subtitle 8 of this title. A local health department or community–based organization shall apply to the Department and a local health officer for authorization to operate a Program. 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. 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. The Department and a local health officer shall: Approve or deny an application for authorization to operate a Program within 60 days after receiving a complete application; and Provide to the applicant a written explanation of the decision of the Department and local health officer. 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. The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee shall: Grant or deny an appeal within 60 days after receiving an appeal; and Provide a written explanation of the Secretary’s or the Secretary’s designee’s decision to the local health department or community–based organization. If established under subsection (a) of this section, a Program shall: Provide for substance use outreach, education, and linkage to treatment services to participants, including distribution and collection of hypodermic needles and syringes; and Operate in accordance with: The technical assistance of the Standing Advisory Committee; and The procedures, plans, and protocols approved by: The local health officer for each county in which a Program is established; and The Department.