An Act To Prevent Overdose Deaths and Infectious Diseases by Establishing Safer Drug Use Facilities
Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §20054 is enacted to read:
§ 20054. Safer drug use facilities
This subsection does not apply to a person engaging in any activity not authorized or approved under this section.
Sec. 2. Establishment of safer drug use facilities; review. The Department of Health and Human Services shall certify 2 safer drug use facilities under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, section 20054 in locations the department determines to most effectively reach the appropriate populations in the State. The department shall review the effectiveness of the facilities to determine whether to continue operation of the facilities or certify additional facilities. On or before November 4, 2020, the department shall submit a report on the review and the department's conclusions to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters.
summary
This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to certify 2 facilities in the State to provide safe and secure locations for people to self-administer previously obtained drugs. The bill requires the facilities to have health care personnel and other trained staff, to provide information concerning drug overdoses and diseases associated with drug use, to administer first aid or other medications in case of an overdose and to provide referrals to other services clients of the facilities may need. The bill immunizes from arrest or prosecution clients and staff members acting in accordance with the provisions of the bill and creates a tolerance zone with 0.5 miles of the facility. The facilities are directed to report certain demographic and other information to the department, which is directed to analyze the information and report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters. The department is also directed to review the effectiveness of the facilities to determine whether to open additional facilities.