HB0002: DHS-OVERDOSE PREVENTION SITES

Legislative Summary

Amends the Substance Use Disorder Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to develop a pilot program aimed at saving the lives of people who use substances. Provides that the program shall include the establishment of at least one overdose prevention site. Provides that the pilot overdose prevention sites shall be exempt from the Act's intervention licensure requirements for harm reduction services until the Department has adopted rules for harm reduction services. Provides that overdose prevention sites shall offer people who are most likely to use drugs in public, unobserved, high-risk, and unsanitary locations a safe space to use pre-obtained substances and to connect with community supports or other existing treatment and recovery programs, harm reduction services, and health care. Sets forth principles that pilot overdose prevention sites shall abide by. Contains provisions concerning: staffing requirements at overdose prevention sites; designated locations for overdose prevention sites; program and service requirements for overdose prevention sites; civil immunity for overdose prevention sites and staff; and other matters. In provisions concerning licensure categories and services, creates a new harm reduction services category under the Act.