Public health: substance use disorder.

Assembly Member Elhawary's comprehensive public health legislation aims to expand harm reduction services and modernize California's approach to substance use disorders through changes to needle exchange programs, overdose prevention measures, and treatment facility requirements.

The bill removes barriers to accessing overdose prevention tools by eliminating mandatory training requirements for obtaining naloxone and extending liability protections to anyone who administers the medication in good faith during an overdose. It also permanently authorizes pharmacists and physicians to provide syringes without a prescription while requiring pharmacists to counsel patients on bloodborne disease prevention.

For substance use treatment facilities, the legislation establishes a streamlined certification process combining approval for both treatment programs and incidental medical services. Treatment centers must prioritize maintaining patient connections to care rather than discontinuing services after relapses. The bill prohibits facilities from requiring abstinence as a condition for admission or continued treatment.

The measure redefines drug paraphernalia to exclude testing equipment and expands exemptions to include individuals at risk of overdose and their support networks. It updates requirements for needle exchange programs, allowing them to use state HIV prevention funds for sterile supplies without previous restrictions. Programs must demonstrate their ability to provide services within three months of authorization.

To receive state funding, substance use disorder programs must align with clinical best practices established by federal health agencies. The legislation maintains existing drug program fees while specifying that prevention activities can include those determined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.