SECTION 1. Chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2014 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following new section:-

Section 215A.

(a) A “safer drug consumption program” provides a space for people who use drugs to consume pre–obtained drugs under the supervision of healthcare professionals or other trained staff and may provide other related services including but not limited to needle exchange, overdose prevention, and referrals to treatment and other services.

(b) The Department of Public Health may approve the implementation of safer drug consumption programs in cities and towns.  Prior to implementation of a of safer drug consumption 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.

(c) Not later than one year after the implementation of a safer drug consumption 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