SECTION 1. Chapter 111 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 215 the following section:-

Section 215A. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of public health shall promulgate regulations to authorize a pilot program for harm reduction sites, in which a person with a substance use disorder may consume pre-obtained controlled substances and medical assistance by health care professionals is made immediately available to such a person as necessary to prevent fatal overdose. Harm reduction sites shall make counseling, referrals to treatment and other appropriate services available for persons utilizing such sites to access on a voluntary basis. The department shall require that any site authorized under this pilot program first obtain approval from the board of health in the city or town in which the pilot site is located.

The commissioner may promulgate regulations pursuant to this section and shall transmit copies of the regulations to the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery, the joint committee on public health, the joint committee on the judiciary and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than 30 days after the promulgation of the regulations.