R386-900-4. Operating Requirements

  (1) An operating entity intending to begin syringe exchange programming within a local community shall meet with local stakeholders, which should include: public health, mental health, substance abuse, law enforcement, local governing body, community councils, etc. This meeting should provide education on the purpose and goals of a syringe exchange program, syringe exchange protocols, awareness of operating entity's plans and community partnerships and will assess community readiness, norms, needs and parameters for implementing syringe exchange in that area. The operating entity shall provide UDOH meeting summary(s) which should include: participants, what was discussed, outcomes and plans for implementation. This documentation must be submitted for each major area where exchange will be conducted upon enrollment and submitted 30 days prior to the initiation of syringe exchange program operation in a new area.

  (2) An operating entity shall utilize the department's enrollment form to provide written notice of intent to conduct syringe exchange activities to the department 15 days prior to conducting syringe exchange activities. If an operating entity discontinues syringe exchange activities, written notice shall also be submitted utilizing the department's report form within 15 days of termination of activities to the department.

  (3) An operating entity must submit a safety protocol to the department for the prevention of needlestick and sharps injury before initiating syringe exchange activities.

  (4) An operating entity shall submit a sharps disposal plan to the department. Sharps disposal is the financial responsibility of the entity operating and responsible for the syringe exchange program.

  (5) An operating entity shall facilitate the exchange of an individuals used syringes by providing a disposable, medical grade sharps container for the disposal of used syringes.

  (6) The operating entity shall exchange one or more new syringes in sealed sterile packages and may provide other clean and new prevention materials to the individual free of charge.

  (7) As available, the department will provide syringes, prevention materials, education materials, and other resources to entities operating a syringe exchange program.

  (8) An operating entity must provide and make available to all clients of the syringe exchange program verbal and written instruction on:

  (a) Methods for preventing the transmission of blood borne pathogens, including HIV, HBV and HCV;

  (b) Information and referral to drug and alcohol treatment;

  (c) Information and referral for HIV and HCV testing; and

  (d) How and where to obtain an opiate antagonist.