threading the needle: nh’s journey to establish syringe ... · threading the needle: nh’s...
TRANSCRIPT
Lindsay J. Pierce, M.Ed.Chief, Infectious Disease Prevention, Investigation and Care Services Section
NASTAD Prevention & Care Technical Assistance MeetingJuly 21, 2017
Threading the Needle:
NH’s Journey to Establish
Syringe Service Program Law
Threading the Needle:
NH’s Journey to Establish
Syringe Service Program Law
NH & The Drug Crisis
Syringe Access
Live Free or Die
Study Commission
SB 234
Next steps
Small, rural state
2nd highest overdose death rate
Treatment access challenges
Political process led by Citizens Legislature
3rd largest legislative body in the world (400 members in House)
$200/two year term plus daily travel
Since 2001, NH Law RSA 318:52-C
Legal purchase of up to 10 syringes at any one time
Must be 18 years of age or older
Pharmacy participation is optional
Pharmacists are not required to participate
HB 1681 (send to study commission)
Exempts residual amounts of controlled substances in hypodermic syringes and needles from the provision of the controlled drug act (Decrimalization)
Authorizes persons other than pharmacists to dispense hypodermic syringes and needles and allows them to be sold in retail establishments other than pharmacies
Authorizes the operation of syringe exchange programs in NH
Summer 2016
Study national standards for best practices for syringe service programs
Discuss the feasibility of implementing syringe service programs in NH
Identify recommended solutions, both legislative and non-legislative
Review any other matter that commission deems relevant to its objective
Final Report
HB and SB 234 were introduced during 2017 session
Compromise made to adopt the SB
DPHS testified, but did not take a position
Exempts residual amounts of controlled substances in hypodermic syringes and needles from the provision of the controlled drug act (Affirmative Defense)
Authorizes persons other than pharmacists to dispense hypodermic syringes and needles and allows them to be sold in retail establishments other than pharmacies
Authorizes the operation of syringe exchange programs in NH
Next Steps
Created Webpage https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/bchs/std/syringe-service.htm
Registration form
Data collection tool
Development of rules
Continued and new partnerships
Lessons Learned
Role & Goal
Partnership
Compromise
Members of the Study Commission
Krista Morris
Elizabeth Daly
Marcella Bobinskey
