RSA 12-J:2-a · Definition of Harm Reduction

12-J:2-a Definition of Harm Reduction. –
I. For the purposes of this chapter, RSA 126-A, RSA 318-B:43, RSA 328-D:3, and RSA 329:16-g, "harm reduction" is an approach that emphasizes engaging directly with people who use alcohol and other drugs to prevent overdose and infectious disease transmission, improve the physical, mental, and social function of those served, and offer low-threshold options for accessing substance use disorder treatment and other health care services. Harm reduction shall be balanced by the imperative to protect society from the ravages of alcohol or drug misuse.
II. This approach shall be limited to the following:
(a) Connecting individuals to overdose education, counseling, and referral to treatment for infectious diseases and substance use disorders.
(b) Distributing opioid overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone to individuals at risk of overdose, or to those who might respond to an overdose, and provide training in overdose reversal and prevention.
(c) Making available substance test kits, including fentanyl test strips.
(d) Lessening harms associated with drug use and related behaviors that increase the risk of infectious diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, and bacterial and fungal infections; via referrals, syringe service programs, sharps disposal and medication disposal kits, wound care supplies, medication lock boxes, education, testing, and prophylactic measures.
(e) Reducing infectious disease transmission among people who use drugs, including those who inject drugs by equipping them with accurate information and facilitating referral to resources.
(f) Reducing overdose deaths, promoting linkages to care, and facilitating appropriate co-location of services as part of a comprehensive, integrated approach.
(g) Providing education and public awareness programs to reduce stigma associated with substance use and co-occurring disorders.
(h) Promoting a philosophy of hope and healing by utilizing those with lived experience of recovery in the management of harm reduction services, and connecting those who have expressed interest to treatment, peer support workers and other recovery support services.
(i) Promoting a healthy society by mitigating the harmful effects of individual misuse of alcohol and other drugs.
Source. 2025, 41:1, eff. June 28, 2025; 141:299, eff. July 1, 2025.