Connecticut General Statutes Title 17A. Social and Human Services and Resources § 17a-673c. Pilot program to prevent drug overdoses. Establishment of harm reduction centers in three municipalities. Funding

(a) As used in this section:

(b) Not later than July 1, 2027, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, shall establish a pilot program to prevent drug overdoses through the establishment of harm reduction centers in three municipalities in the state selected by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, subject to the approval of the chief elected officials of each municipality selected by said commissioner. No harm reduction center established pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to regulation by the Department of Public Health until the termination of the pilot program.

(c) Each harm reduction center established pursuant to subsection (b) of this section shall (1) employ persons, including, but not limited to, licensed health care providers with experience treating persons with substance use disorders to provide substance use disorder or other mental health counseling and monitor persons utilizing the harm reduction center for the purpose of providing medical treatment to any person who experiences symptoms of an overdose, in a number determined sufficient by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, (2) provide persons with test strips at the request of such persons, and (3) provide referrals for substance use disorder or other mental health counseling or other mental health or medical treatment services that may be appropriate for persons utilizing the harm reduction center. A licensed health care provider's participation in the pilot program shall not be grounds for disciplinary action by the Department of Public Health pursuant to section 19a-17 or by any board or commission listed in subsection (b) of section 19a-14.

(d) The Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services may request a disbursement of funds from the Opioid Settlement Fund established pursuant to section 17a-674c, in whole or in part, for the establishment and administration of the pilot program.