26:2G-5 Additional powers of director.

5. The director, as head of the division, shall have all of the functions, powers and duties heretofore vested in the Commissioner of Human Services, and the Commissioner of Community Affairs when either commissioner was acting with regard to the prevention and control of substance use disorders involving drugs and the treatment of persons with substance use disorders involving drugs and also, all the functions, powers and duties vested in the Commissioner of Health by the "New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substance Act," P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.); and shall, in addition to the functions, powers, and duties vested in the commissioner 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 substance use disorders involving drugs and the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of persons with substance use disorders involving drugs, 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 substance use disorders involving drugs, 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 substance use disorders involving drugs 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 substance use disorders involving drugs and of the condition of persons with substance use disorders involving drugs.

d. To provide education and training in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and control of substance use disorders involving drugs for medical students, physicians, nurses, teachers, social workers, and others with responsibilities for persons with substance use disorders involving drugs, either alone or in conjunction with other agencies, public or private.

e. To provide public education on the nature and results of substance use disorders involving drugs 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 persons with substance use disorders involving drugs and persons with potential substance use disorders involving drugs.

g. To gather information and maintain statistical and other records relating to persons with substance use disorders involving drugs and substance use disorders involving drugs 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 Human Services and similar agencies of the political subdivisions of the State with respect to prisoners and parolees who have or had at any time a substance use disorder involving 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 P.L.1969, c.152 (C.26:2G-1 et seq.). Any moneys so received may be expended by the director to effectuate any purpose of P.L.1969, c.152 (C.26:2G-1 et seq.) subject to the same limitations as to approval of expenditures and audit as are prescribed for State moneys appropriated for the purposes of P.L.1969, c.152 (C.26:2G-1 et seq.).

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 P.L.1969, c.152 (C.26:2G-1 et seq.).

L.1969, c.152, s.5; amended 2017, c.131, s.87.