Bill > HB1212

This bill establishes an "Overdose and Infectious Disease Prevention Safer Drug Use Facility Program" in Maryland, allowing local health departments or community-based organizations, with approval from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, to operate these facilities. A community-based organization is defined as a public or private entity representing a community and providing educational, health, or social services. These programs, referred to as "Programs," must provide a supervised location for individuals to self-administer pre-obtained drugs, offer sterile injection supplies and safe disposal, answer questions about safe injection practices, administer first aid and overdose reversal medications like naloxone, and provide referrals for substance abuse treatment, disease testing (including HIV and hepatitis), reproductive health, and wound care. Programs are also encouraged to educate participants on disease risks and safe disposal of needles, maintain security, and train staff. The bill outlines data collection requirements for these programs, including the number of individuals served, demographics, types of drugs used, referrals to treatment, needle distribution, and impact on crime rates, with reports to be submitted annually to the Department and legislative committees. Importantly, individuals operating or using these facilities in accordance with the program's provisions are protected from arrest, prosecution, civil penalties, or disciplinary action, and their property used in connection with the program is shielded from seizure or forfeiture, though this immunity does not extend to criminal activities outside the program's scope.