AZ HB2389

Authorizes the Department of Health Services director to declare public health emergencies for outbreaks of infectious diseases spread through needle sharing, limited to specific geographic areas.

Allows qualified entities (county health departments, municipalities, and approved nonprofit organizations) to operate needle and syringe exchange programs during declared public health emergencies.

Requires exchange programs to provide free needles and syringes, disposal of used supplies, educational materials on overdose prevention and disease transmission, naloxone access or referrals, and personal consultations on mental health and addiction treatment.

Permits county boards of supervisors or municipal governing bodies to request emergency declarations, which must be approved or denied by the director within 10 calendar days and may remain in effect for up to one year with renewal options.

Provides immunity from prosecution under Arizona law for program employees, volunteers, and participants for possession of needles, syringes, and residual amounts of controlled substances obtained from or returned to authorized exchange programs.