§ 16-64-1 — Definitions

West Virginia § 16-64-1

• Jurisdiction: West Virginia
• Ch. 16: PUBLIC HEALTH
• Art. 64: SYRINGE SERVICES PROGRAMS

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As used in this article, the term:

“Administrator” means a person having the authority and responsibility for operation of the syringe services program and serves as the contact for communication with the Director of the Harm Reduction Program.

“Applicant” means the entity applying for a license under this article.

“Board of Review” means the board established in §9-2-6(13) of this code.

“Director” means the Director of the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification.

“Fixed site” means a building or single location where syringe exchange services are provided.

“Harm reduction program” means a program that provides services intended to lessen the adverse consequences of drug use and protect public health and safety, by providing direct access to or a referral to: Syringe services program; substance use disorder treatment programs; screenings; vaccinations; education about overdose prevention; wound care; opioid antagonist distribution and education; and other medical services.

“HIV” means the etiologic virus of AIDS or Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

“License” means the document issued by the office authorizing the syringe services program to operate.

“Local health department” means a health department operated by local boards of health, created, established, and maintained pursuant to §16-2-1et seq. of this code.

“Location” means a site within the service area of a local health department. A location can be a fixed site or a mobile site.

“Mobile site” means a location accessible by foot or vehicle that is not at a fixed indoor setting.

“Syringe services program” means a community-based program that provides access to sterile syringes, facilitates safe disposal of used syringes, and is part of a harm reduction program.

“Syringe stick injury” means a penetrating wound from a syringe that may result in exposure to blood.

“Syringe stick injury protocol” means policies and procedures to prevent syringe stick injury to syringe exchange staff, including volunteers, community members, and to syringe exchange participants.

“Service area” means the territorial jurisdiction of the syringe services program.

“Sharps waste” means used syringes and lancets.

“Staff” means a person who provides syringe services or harm reduction services on behalf of a program.

“Syringe” means both the needle and syringe used to inject fluids into the body.

Legislative History

2021 Reg. Sess., SB334