Bill > HB845

This bill establishes a comprehensive Overdose and Infectious Disease Prevention Services Program in Maryland, allowing community-based organizations (such as hospitals, clinics, health centers, and faith-based organizations) to create sites where individuals can safely consume pre-obtained drugs under medical supervision. The Maryland Department of Health may approve up to six such programs, ideally with two located in urban areas, two in suburban areas, and two in rural areas. These programs will provide a range of harm reduction services, including sterile drug administration supplies, first aid, overdose monitoring, naloxone administration, referrals to substance use disorder treatment, HIV and hepatitis testing, and other health services. Participants and program staff will be protected from arrest, prosecution, or professional penalties for involvement in the program, though criminal prosecution remains possible for unauthorized activities. Each program must submit an annual report detailing participant demographics, service usage, drug administration supplies distributed, overdose incidents, referrals made, and other key metrics. The bill is designed as a four-year pilot program, taking effect on July 1, 2025, and automatically expiring on June 30, 2029, unless further legislative action is taken to extend it.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0845?ys=2025RS