Section 215. The department of public health may implement needle exchange programs for the exchange of needles in cities and towns. Prior to implementation of a needle exchange program, approval shall be obtained from the board of health in the hosting city or town. The city or town shall, in a manner determined by the department, provide notice of such approval to the department.

Not later than 1 year after the implementation of a needle exchange program, the department shall report the results of the program and any recommendations by filing the same with the senate and house chairs of the joint committee on health care financing and the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on public safety and homeland security.