ND SB2198

State Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division, shall design and administer syringe exchange programs authorized for counties at risk of viral hepatitis or HIV transmission.

Qualified entities (local health departments, cities, or authorized organizations) operating programs must register annually, employ licensed medical oversight, and safely store/dispose of collected syringes and needles.

Programs must provide overdose response training, education on disease prevention and treatment, drug addiction treatment referrals including medication-assisted treatment options, and distribute supplies without collecting personal information.

Law enforcement may not stop, search, or seize individuals based on program participation, and appropriately collected syringes are not considered drug paraphernalia or controlled substance possession.

State agencies cannot use general fund monies to purchase syringes or injection supplies; programs must file semiannual reports documenting individuals served, supplies distributed and collected, organized by zip code.

"Behavioral health" definition expanded to explicitly include suicide prevention services alongside mental health, emotional, and substance use disorder treatment.