§ 23-11-19. Exchange of hypodermic needles and syringes.
(a) The director of the department of health shall maintain a program offering the free exchange of new hypodermic needles and syringes for used hypodermic needles and syringes as a means to prevent the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or viral hepatitis among injecting drug users eighteen (18) years of age or older. Any site used in the program shall be approved by the director of health and shall make available educational materials, HIV counseling and testing, and referral services targeted to the education of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis transmission as well as information and referrals pertaining to substance abuse prevention and treatment.
(b) Any program of needle and syringe exchange must be implemented pursuant to the provisions of this section and shall incorporate an on-going evaluation plan to determine the impact of the needle exchange program on the participants and the community in the efforts to lower the HIV rate among injecting users including successful referrals to substance abuse treatment.
History of Section.P.L. 1994, ch. 30, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 213, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 309, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 599, § 5.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 23-11 - Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Section 23-11-1. - Diseases declared contagious — Exposure of another to infection.
Section 23-11-3. - Compulsory treatment of infected persons.
Section 23-11-4. - State laboratory facilities and treatment.
Section 23-11-5. - Reports of cases by public and private institutions.
Section 23-11-6. - Reports by physicians.
Section 23-11-7. - Penalty for failure to report.
Section 23-11-8. - Blood test of pregnant women.
Section 23-11-10. - Investigation of suspected cases and sources.
Section 23-11-11. - Power to examine suspected cases — Right of suspect to own physician.
Section 23-11-12. - Refusal to submit to examination.
Section 23-11-13. - Appropriations and disbursements.
Section 23-11-14. - Reports by public and private laboratories.
Section 23-11-15. - Report not violation of physician-patient relationship.
Section 23-11-16. - Violations — Penalties.
Section 23-11-17. - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing.
Section 23-11-18. - Legislative findings.
Section 23-11-19. - Exchange of hypodermic needles and syringes.