NC S794

Authorizes governmental and nongovernmental organizations, including health departments, to establish and operate needle and hypodermic syringe exchange programs to reduce spread of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases.

Requires exchange programs to provide free needles and syringes in sufficient quantities, disposal of used needles, security measures, and educational materials on overdose prevention, disease transmission, drug abuse prevention, and treatment referrals including naloxone access.

Offers limited immunity protecting employees, volunteers, and program participants from prosecution for possession of needles, syringes, injection supplies obtained through the program, or residual controlled substances in used needles and syringes.

Requires organizations to report to the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health before commencing operations, and annually thereafter, including information on clients served, supplies distributed and returned, naloxone kits distributed, and treatment referrals provided.

Appropriates $100,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health for fiscal year 2016-2017 to review needle exchange programs and process required reporting; effective July 1, 2016.