Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH › Chapter 511-2 - DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL › Subject 511-2-9 - SYRINGE SERVICES PROGRAMS › Rule 511-2-9-.05 - Policies and Procedures Manual

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) Each Program shall develop a Policies and
				Procedures Manual for operation of a Syringe Services Program. Such Manual
				shall include:
(a) A protocol strictly
				limiting the disclosure of protected health information, including HIV status,
				in compliance with HIPAA, O.C.G.A. §
										24-12-21, and all other provisions of federal and state laws and rules, accompanied by a
				protocol for handling breaches of privacy.
(b) A plan for the provision of substance
				abuse and harm reduction counseling, education, and referral services for:
1. Substance abuse disorder
				treatment;
2. Training and
				provision of naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses;
3. Screening for HIV, viral hepatitis,
				sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis prevention, treatment, and care
				services, including immunizations;
4. Safer injection supplies; and
5. Evidence-based interventions to reduce
				negative consequences of drug-related behaviors.
(c) A Site biosafety plan, which shall
				include:
1. Engineering and work practice
				controls designed to reduce the likelihood of exposure by Program Staff and
				Consumers to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially biohazardous
				materials;
2. A protocol for the
				safe and secure disposal of syringes and related supplies in compliance with
				federal and state law;
3. A
				protocol for the management of needlestick injuries and splash exposures, which
				shall include the designation of an exposure manager who must be present during
				operating hours, a procedure for Staff to immediately report needlesticks and
				splash exposures, and a process for an injured individual to receive
				post-exposure prophylaxis or other appropriate medical care;
4. A Staff training plan, which shall include
				education regarding Universal Precautions, safe handling of syringes,
				confidentiality protocols, bloodborne pathogen infection control, and other
				subjects deemed necessary by the Department for the safe operation of the
				Program.
(d) A Site
				security plan, which shall be provided to all law enforcement agencies with
				jurisdiction over each Program Site and shall include:
1. Provisions for reasonable and adequate
				security of program Sites, equipment, and personnel;
2. Operational procedures to protect
				inventory from loss or theft and ensure the secure storage, distribution, and
				disposal of syringes;
3. Provisions
				for the regular retrieval of any syringes or other trash discarded within three
				hundred feet of a fixed or mobile Program Site.
(e) A plan for enlisting community support
				and addressing community concerns related to the implementation of the Program;
				and
(f) A data collection protocol
				for recording the information that must be reported to the Department in
				accordance with Rule  511-2-9-.04(3)(g).