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Colorado Legislation around
Harm Reduction

Syringe Exchange Programs, C.R.S. §25-1-520

This law allows local jurisdictions to approve the operations of syringe exchange programs. Participants, volunteers and staff are exempt from the provisions of paraphernalia laws, C.R.S. §18-18-425 to 18-18-430, when they associated with an approved syringe exchange program created pursuant to this law.

Drug Paraphernalia Law Exemption, C.R.S. §18-18-430.5

Syringe exchange program participants are exempt from drug paraphernalia laws, C.R.S. §18-18-425 through 18-18-430.

911 Good Samaritan Law, C.R.S. §18-1-711

The 911 Good Samaritan Law states that a person is immune from criminal prosecution for an offense when the person reports, in good faith, an emergency drug or alcohol overdose, even to a law enforcement officer, to the 911 system, or to a medical provider. This same immunity applies to persons who remain at the scene of the event until a law enforcement officer or an emergency medical responder arrives, or if the person remains at the facilities of the medical provider until a law enforcement officer, emergency medical responder, or medical provider arrives. The immunity described above also extends to the person who suffered the emergency drug or alcohol overdose event.

Third Party Naloxone, C.R.S. §18-1-712

This law allows for a person other than a health care provider or health care facility who acts in good faith to administer an opiate antagonist to another person whom the person believes to be suffering an opiate-related drug overdose. The individual who administers naloxone shall be immune from criminal prosecution for such an act. 

Naloxone Standing Orders, C.R.S. §12-36-117.7

Signed into law on April 3, 2015, this law concerns the ability to furnish a supply of emergency drugs for purposes of treating individuals who may experience an opiate-related overdose event. This bill allows licensed prescribers to prescribe, and licensed dispensers to dispense, an opiate antagonist, either pursuant to a direct prescriber order or in accordance with standing orders and protocols.

Needle-stick Prevention, C.R.S., §18-18-428

Signed into law on April 3, 2015, this law allows for an exception to arrest and filing charges for the crime of possession of drug paraphernalia if the person, prior to being searched by a law enforcement officer, informs the officer that he or she has a needle, syringe, or other sharp objects on his or her person or in his or her vehicle or home that is subject to a search. The exception to arrest and filing charges also applies to the crime of possession of a controlled substance as it relates to any residual controlled substance that may be found in a used needle, syringe, or other sharp object.

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