26:2G-5 - Additional powers of director
26:2G-5. Additional powers of director
The director, as head of the division, shall have all of the functions, powers and duties heretofore vested in the Commissioner of Institutions and Agencies, and the Commissioner of Community Affairs when either commissioner was acting with regard to the prevention and control of drug addiction and the treatment of drug addicts and also, all the functions, powers and duties vested in the Commissioner of Health by chapter 18 of Title 24 of the Revised Statutes (Uniform Narcotic Drug Law); and shall, in addition to the functions, powers and duties vested in him by this act or by any other law:
a. To survey and analyze the State's need and formulate a comprehensive plan for the long-range development, through the utilization of Federal, State, local and private resources, of adequate services and facilities for the prevention and control of drug addiction and the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, and from time to time to revise such plan.
b. To promote, develop, establish, co-ordinate and conduct unified programs for education, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, community referral, rehabilitation and control in the field of drug addiction, based on the comprehensive plan formulated under paragraph a. of this section, and, in co-operation with such other Federal, State, local and private agencies as are necessary and within the amount made available by appropriation therefor implement and administer such programs.
c. To direct and carry on basic, clinical, epidemiological, social science and statistical research in drug addiction either individually or in conjunction with other agencies, public or private and, within the amount made available by appropriation therefor develop pilot programs. In pursuance of the foregoing and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the director is empowered to establish, direct and carry on experimental pilot clinic programs for the treatment of drug addiction and of the condition of drug addicts.
d. To provide education and training in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and control of drug addiction for medical students, physicians, nurses, teachers, social workers and others with responsibilities for drug addicts either alone or in conjunction with other agencies, public or private.
e. To provide public education on the nature and results of drug addiction and on the potentialities of prevention and rehabilitation in order to promote public understanding, interest and support.
f. To disseminate information relating to public and private services and facilities in the State available for the assistance of drug addicts and potential drug addicts.
g. To gather information and maintain statistical and other records relating to drug addicts and drug addiction in the State. It shall be the duty of every physician, dentist, veterinarian or other person who is authorized to administer or professionally use narcotic, depressant or stimulant drugs, or hospitals, clinics, dispensaries or persons authorized to dispense narcotic, depressant or stimulant drugs and all public officials having duties to perform with respect to such drugs or users of such drugs to report and supply such information in relation thereto as the director shall by rule, regulation or order require.
h. To submit to the Governor, the Legislature and the Commissioner of Health an annual report of the division's operations and specific recommendations pertaining to matters within the scope of its jurisdiction in proper bill form not later than January 15 of each year.
i. To provide psychiatric, medical and psychological services to the Department of Institutions and Agencies and similar agencies of the political subdivisions of the State with respect to prisoners and parolees who are or were at any time addicted to morphine, heroin or similar narcotic substance, or to depressant or stimulant drugs.
j. With the approval of the Governor, to accept as agent of the State any gift, grant, devise or bequest, whether conditional or unconditional for any of the purposes of this act. Any moneys so received may be expended by the director to effectuate any purpose of this act subject to the same limitations as to approval of expenditures and audit as are prescribed for State moneys appropriated for the purposes of this act.
k. To make agreements with the Federal Government, political subdivisions, public agencies or private agencies to do or cause to be done that which may be necessary, desirable or proper to carry out the purposes and objectives of this article within the amounts made available therefor by appropriation, gift, grant, devise or bequest.
l . To control and regulate the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession and use of narcotic, depressant and stimulant drugs in accordance with the provisions of this act and chapter 18 of Title 24 of the Revised Statutes.
m. To prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of this act.
L.1969, c. 152, s. 5.