Hypodermic needles and syringes: exchange services.

Existing law regulates the sale, possession, and disposal of hypodermic needles and syringes, and requires, with certain exceptions, a prescription to purchase a hypodermic needle or syringe for human use. Existing law prohibits any person from possessing or having under his or her control any hypodermic needle or syringe, except in accordance with those regulatory provisions. Existing law authorizes a clean needle and syringe exchange project in any city and county, county, or city, as specified. This bill would, until January 1, 2016, permit the State Department of Public Health to authorize certain entities, that meet prescribed conditions, to provide hypodermic needle and syringe exchange services in any location where the department determines that the conditions exist for the rapid spread of HIV, viral hepatitis, or any other potentially deadly or disabling infection spread through the sharing of used hypodermic needles and syringes. The bill, until January 1, 2016, would require the entities to submit an application to the department, would require a 45-day public comment period, would specify that participants shall not be subject to criminal prosecution for possession of needles and syringes acquired under the program, and would make conforming changes. The bill would also, until January 1, 2016, require the department to establish and maintain on its Internet Web site the address and contact information of programs providing hypodermic needle and syringe exchange services. The bill would, until January 1, 2016, change related hearing requirements from annually to biennially. The bill would, until January 1, 2016, require the department to report to certain committees of the Legislature, as prescribed.