R386.  Health, Disease Control and Prevention, Epidemiology.
R386-900.  Special Measures for the Operation of Syringe Exchange Programs.
R386-900-1.  Authority.
	This rule is authorized under Utah Code 26-7-8.

R386-900-2.  Purpose.
	This rule establishes operating and reporting requirements required of an entity operating a syringe exchange pursuant to 26-7-8.

R386-900-3.  Definitions.
	The following definitions apply to this rule:
	(1)  "Department" means the Utah Department of Health Bureau of Epidemiology Prevention, Treatment and Care Program.
	(2)  "Syringe exchange" is defined in 26-7-8.
	(3)  "Operating entity" is defined in 26-7-8.
	(4)  "HIV" human immunodeficiency virus.
	(5)  "HCV" hepatitis C virus.
	(6)  "HBV" hepatitis B virus.
	(7)  "Opiate antagonist" is defined by Chapter 55, Opiate Overdose Response Act.

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.

R386-900-5.  Reporting Requirements.
	(1)  All entities operating a syringe exchange program shall report aggregate data elements in accordance to 26-7-8 to the department on a quarterly basis, utilizing the format provided by the department which is to include:
	(a)  Number of individuals who have exchanged syringes,
	(b)  A self-reported or approximated number of used syringes exchanged for new syringes,
	(c)  Number of new syringes provided in exchange for used syringes,
	(d)  Educational materials distributed; and
	(e)  Number of referrals provided.

R386-900-6.  Penalty.
	(1)  Any person who violates any provision of R386-900 may be assessed a penalty as provided in section 26-23-6.

R386-900-7.  Official References.
	(1)  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2016, Program Guidance for Implementing Certain Components of Syringe Services Programs.
	(2)  Federal Register, Health and Human Services Department, 2011, Determination That a Demonstration Needle Exchange Program Would be Effective in Reducing Drug Abuse and the Risk of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Infection Among Intravenous Drug Users.
	(3)  Harm Reduction Coalition, 2006, Syringe Exchange Programs and Hepatitis C.
	(4)  Harm Reduction Coalition, 2006, Syringe Exchange Programs: Reducing the Risks of Needlestick Injuries.
	(5)  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Summary of Syringe Exchange Program Studies.
	(6)  United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 2016, Implementation Guidance to Support Certain Components of Syringe Services Programs.
	(7)  World Health Organization (WHO), 2004, Effectiveness of sterile needle and syringe programming in reducing HIV/AIDS among injecting drug users.

KEY:  syringe exchange programs, needles, syringes
Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment:  May 15, 2019
Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law:  26-7-8