§ 23-11-19 - Exchange of hypodermic needles and syringes. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 23-11-19

   § 23-11-19  Exchange of hypodermic needlesand syringes. – (a) The director of the department of health shall maintain a program offeringthe free exchange of new hypodermic needles and syringes for used hypodermicneedles and syringes as a means to prevent the transmission of humanimmunodeficiency virus (HIV) or viral hepatitis among injecting drug userseighteen (18) years of age or older. Any site used in the program shall beapproved by the director of health and shall make available educationalmaterials, HIV counseling and testing, and referral services targeted to theeducation of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis transmission as well as informationand referrals pertaining to substance abuse prevention and treatment.

   (b) Any program of needle and syringe exchange must beimplemented pursuant to the provisions of this section and shall incorporate anon-going evaluation plan to determine the impact of the needle exchange programon the participants and the community in the efforts to lower the HIV rateamong injecting users including successful referrals to substance abusetreatment.