# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 24. Miscellaneous Provisions

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

#### Section 24-903

(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;

    (iv) Wound care; and

    (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;

  (4) Wound care; and

  (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; and

  (2) The Department.

---

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