Syringe Exchange Programs shall operate in conformance with Cal. Health and Safety Code §§ 121349 through 121349.3 as part of a network of comprehensive services to combat the spread of HIV and blood-borne hepatitis infection among injection drug users.
(A) A provider interested in administering a clean needle and syringe exchange program in the city shall notify the City Manager prior to beginning the program and shall comply with any program rules and regulations established by the city for administration of the program.
(B) A provider shall report to the City Manager, on a quarterly basis, statistics that include but need not be limited to:
(1) Number of needles distributed;
(2) Number of needles returned/collected;
(3) The location of the returned/collected needles;
(4) The number of referrals made for other services; and
(5) The number of law enforcement incidents related to the SEP.
(C) SEPs must demonstrate a plan and implementation for injection drug users to seek treatment for substance abuse; and provide referral for substance abuse treatment and other preventative health care services to participants in the program.
(D) SEPs are required to organize and participate in clean-ups of used needles on a weekly basis and to report the results of such efforts quarterly.
(E) SEPs shall issue identification cards for employees and volunteer workers for the program.
(F) SEPs are not allowed to operate within 1,000 feet of a City Park and elementary and/or secondary school meeting all of the requirements of the compulsory education laws of the state or a licensed day care center, except for mobile outreach workers.
(G) SEPs are required to insure that sharps are disposed of at the organizational level in conformance with OSHA standards. SEPs shall contract with a licensed bio-waste hauling company for disposal of sharps.
(H) SEPs shall implement and maintain syringe collection and disposal procedures that:
(1) Encourage program participants to return used syringes to the program, and/or to dispose of them properly;
(2) Collect sharps waste in such a way to minimize direct handling by program staff, volunteers and clients.
(Ord. 871-C.S., passed 3-20-18)