Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-11-19. Exchange of hypodermic needles and syringes

(a) The director of the department of health shall maintain a program offering the free exchange of new hypodermic needles and syringes for used hypodermic needles and syringes as a means to prevent the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or viral hepatitis among injecting drug users eighteen (18) years of age or older. Any site used in the program shall be approved by the director of health and shall make available educational materials, HIV counseling and testing, and referral services targeted to the education of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis transmission as well as information and referrals pertaining to substance abuse prevention and treatment.

(b) Any program of needle and syringe exchange must be implemented pursuant to the provisions of this section and shall incorporate an on-going evaluation plan to determine the impact of the needle exchange program on the participants and the community in the efforts to lower the HIV rate among injecting users including successful referrals to substance abuse treatment.