Section 7. Definitions

as used in these regulations: A. “Blood borne pathogens” means the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and any other blood borne disease. B. “Department” means the New Mexico Department of Health. C. “Harm Reduction Act” means Section 24-2C-1 to 24-2C-6, NMSA 1978. D. “Harm Reduction ID Code” means a unique alpha-numeric code assigned to a participant through the process determined by the harm reduction program, this code shall not bear the participant’s full name. E. “Harm Reduction Participant Card” means a card issued to a participant by the department of health or HRPs which verify the participant is enrolled in the harm reduction program, this card shall contain the Harm Reduction ID Code and an expiration date. F. “Harm Reduction Provider (HRP)” means a public health office, community agency, service provider, individual, or other location which has applied and been accepted by the New Mexico department of health to provide harm reduction activities in accordance with the requirements of the Harm Reduction Act, these regulations and department of health protocols and guidelines. G. “Harm Reduction Specialist” means an employee or volunteer of an HRP who has completed the department approved harm reduction certification curriculum. H. “Hepatitis and Harm Reduction Program” means the team of staff members within the department public health division who have the primary responsibility to regulate and implement the provisions of the Harm Reduction Act, these regulations, and related department protocols and guidelines. I. “Participant” means anyone enrolled for services at any Harm Reduction Provider and may receive supplies, devices or any other service provided by the Harm Reduction Provider. [7.4.6.7 NMAC - Rp, 7.4.6.7 NMAC, 11/29/2022] 7.4.6.8 GENERAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE HRP APPLICATION APPROVAL AND REVOCATION PROCESSES: 7.4.6 NMAC 2 A these regulations, and related department protocols and guidelines. I. “Participant” means anyone enrolled for services at any Harm Reduction Provider and may receive supplies, devices or any other service provided by the Harm Reduction Provider. [7.4.6.7 NMAC - Rp, 7.4.6.7 NMAC, 11/29/2022] 7.4.6.8 GENERAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE HRP APPLICATION APPROVAL AND REVOCATION PROCESSES: 7.4.6 NMAC 2 A. Any entity, other than HRPs already designated herein, seeking to become a HRP must submit an application to the hepatitis and harm reduction program. The application must include, at a minimum: (1) name of the entity; (2) primary contact information, including: name, telephone number and email address; (3) mailing address; (4) definition of the geographic area to be served; (5) a statement confirming that if approved, the entity will participate in training and evaluation activities as required by the harm reduction program; (6) relevant experience in providing disease prevention services, health care services, social services or substance use treatment services to individuals injecting substances; and (7) any other information required by the harm reduction program. B. The hepatitis and harm reduction program shall review applications to determine whether they meet the statutory and regulatory requirements. Upon approval of the application, the entity will be authorized by the harm reduction program as an HRP. C. All organizations that provide direct services to individuals who use substances, including law enforcement, emergency medical response, medical providers, substance use treatment programs, and correctional institutes shall be considered an HRP for the sole purpose of providing fentanyl test strips or other devices approved by the department to check for potential adulterants. Organizations utilizing this limited option do not need to meet the HRP requirements outlined in section 7.4.6.9 of these rules.