The Reference Committee recommends this be adopted as new ArMA Policy.

Does the resolution address a current need? Arizona has implemented harm reduction policies through legalized syringe service programs, but conflicting paraphernalia laws create inconsistent legal protections that may limit their effectiveness and contribute to preventable infectious disease and overdose risk.

Is it directly applicable to the healthcare community? Healthcare providers in Arizona routinely manage complications of injection drug use, including human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, overdose, and soft tissue infections, which contribute to increased emergency department utilization, hospitalizations, and long-term healthcare costs. Legal barriers affecting access to sterile syringes and harm reduction services influence patient behavior and may increase preventable morbidity, resource utilization, and cost burden on healthcare systems and providers.

Does it reflect emerging healthcare trends? Harm reduction is increasingly recognized as an evidence- based public health strategy at both the state and national levels, with expanding legislative and clinical efforts focused on reducing overdose mortality and infectious disease transmission. Arizona’s recent adoption of syringe service program legislation reflects this shift, and further alignment of legal frameworks represents a logical next step in advancing prevention-focused care.

Is it within ArMA's or the AMA's scope to accomplish? ArMA has previously supported harm reduction strategies, including policies related to syringe service programs and efforts to reduce opioid-related harm, and routinely engages in legislative advocacy to improve public health outcomes.

Addressing legal inconsistencies that affect the implementation of existing harm reduction policies represents a natural extension of ArMA’s current advocacy efforts and aligns with its role in shaping state-level healthcare policy.

Whereas, Arizona Revised Statutes §36-798.51–52 authorize overdose and disease prevention programs, including syringe service programs, to reduce the spread of human immunodeficiency virus, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne diseases, while providing limited legal immunity only for syringes obtained through such programs with proper verification, and

 Whereas, Arizona law continues to classify syringes as drug paraphernalia outside of authorized program participation, creating a dual legal framework in which access to sterile syringes is permitted in limited contexts but otherwise subject to criminal penalties under A.R.S. §13-3415, and

 Whereas, substance use disorder and drug overdose continue to contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in Arizona, and syringe service programs are evidence-based interventions that reduce transmission of infectious diseases and facilitate entry into treatment without increasing drug use or crime, and

 Whereas, Arizona has entered a transitional stage in which harm reduction policies have been implemented but remain incompletely aligned with existing legal frameworks, potentially limiting their effectiveness and accessibility; therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Arizona Medical Association support efforts to align drug paraphernalia laws with existing harm reduction policies in order to reduce legal barriers that limit the effectiveness of authorized syringe service programs, and be it further

Resolved, that the Arizona Medical Association advocate for policies that ensure consistent legal protections for individuals participating in authorized harm reduction programs across Arizona, and be it further

Resolved, that the Arizona Medical Association encourage education of physicians and healthcare professionals regarding the public health benefits of harm reduction strategies and the legal framework affecting patient access to these services.

Budget impact to ArMA. The impact on the ArMA budget would be minimal. Implementation would primarily require staff time for policy review, coordination with existing advocacy efforts, and engagement with stakeholders involved in harm reduction, including syringe service programs and public health organizations. No significant direct financial cost is anticipated.