ID H0180

Establishes the Syringe and Needle Exchange Act to prevent disease transmission and reduce morbidity and mortality among individuals who inject drugs.

Allows entities (state, government, or private organizations) to operate syringe and needle exchange programs if they comply with department rules and facilitate exchange of used syringes for new sterile ones.

Requires programs to provide recipients with verbal and written instruction on preventing blood-borne diseases (hepatitis C and HIV) and information about substance use disorder treatment, disease testing, and opioid antagonist access.

Mandates annual reporting by programs to the Department of Health and Welfare on number of participants, syringes exchanged, and needles provided.

Requires the department to report biennially to the legislature beginning July 1, 2020, on program activities, outcomes, impact on infection rates and treatment engagement, potential for cost savings, and whether programs should continue, be modified, or terminated.