Governor Supports Giving Indiana State Department of Health Approval Authority in Cases of Public Health Emergency
Indianapolis – Tonight, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 461 regarding the use of syringe or needle exchange programs in the case of public health emergencies like the recent HIV outbreak in Scott County. Governor Mike Pence issued the following statement:
“While our administration took swift executive action to intervene in the HIV outbreak in Scott County, our healthcare and law enforcement communities will benefit from the legal framework in Senate Enrolled Act 461, which allows limited and accountable syringe exchange programs where public health emergencies warrant such action. Such measures will save lives.
“This legislation permits local officials to request approval from the Indiana State Department of Health for a limited and accountable syringe exchange program in the event of a public health emergency, provides resources to our law enforcement community, and I look forward to signing it into law.
“Our administration worked closely with legislators in crafting this timely and important public health initiative, which I believe will enable our state’s healthcare and law enforcement communities to address this and future health crises.â€
