Chapter 11. Educational Programs of California Health And Safety Code >> Division 10. >> Chapter 11.

The Attorney General, the Board of Pharmacy, and other agencies shall carry out educational programs designed to prevent and deter misuse and abuse of controlled substances. In connection with these programs, he may do all of the following:
  (a) Promote better recognition of the problems of misuse and abuse of controlled substances within the regulated industry and among interested groups and organizations.
  (b) Assist the regulated industry and interested groups and organizations in contributing to the reduction of misuse and abuse of controlled substances.
  (c) Consult with interested groups and organizations to aid them in solving administrative and organizational problems.
  (d) Assist in the education and training of state and local law enforcement officials in their efforts to control misuse and abuse of controlled substances.

The Attorney General shall encourage research on misuse and abuse of controlled substances. In connection with the research, and in furtherance of the enforcement of this division, he or she may do all of the following:
  (a) Develop new or improved approaches, techniques, systems, equipment, and devices to strengthen the enforcement of this division.
  (b) Enter into contracts with public agencies, institutions of higher education, and private organizations or individuals for the purpose of conducting demonstrations or special projects that bear directly on misuse and abuse of controlled substances.
  (c) (1) Authorize hospitals and trauma centers to share information with local law enforcement agencies, the Emergency Medical Services Authority, and local emergency medical services agencies about controlled substance overdose trends.
  (2) The information provided by hospitals and trauma centers pursuant to this subdivision shall include only the number of overdoses and the substances suspected as the primary cause of the overdoses. Any information shared pursuant to this subdivision shall be shared in a manner that ensures complete patient confidentiality.

The Attorney General may enter into contracts for educational and research activities without performance bonds.

The Attorney General, with the approval of the Research Advisory Panel, may authorize persons engaged in research on the use and effects of controlled substances to withhold the names and other identifying characteristics of individuals who are the subjects of the research. Persons who obtain this authorization are not compelled in any civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceeding to identify the individuals who are the subjects of research for which the authorization was obtained.

The Attorney General, with the approval of the Research Advisory Panel, may authorize the possession and distribution of controlled substances by persons engaged in research. Persons who obtain this authorization are exempt from state prosecution for possession and distribution of controlled substances to the extent of the authorization.

(a) Commencing with the 1991-92 fiscal year, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Governor's Policy Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, shall conduct a biennial survey of drug and alcohol use among pupils enrolled in grades 7, 9, and 11. The survey shall assess all of the following:
  (1) The frequency and type of substance abuse.
  (2) The age of first use and intoxication.
  (3) Pertinent attitudes and experiences of pupils.
  (4) The experience of pupils with school-based drug and alcohol prevention programs.
  (5) As an optional component, the survey may examine the risk factors associated with school dropouts.
  (b) The biennial survey shall be based on a statewide sample of pupils enrolled in grades 7, 9, and 11 and shall be consistent with the surveys conducted by the office of the Attorney General in the 1985-86, 1987-88, and 1989-90 fiscal years.
  (c) The Attorney General shall release the findings of the survey on or before May of each even-numbered year and shall prepare and distribute a report on the survey to the Legislature, the Governor, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, law enforcement agencies, school districts, and interested members of the general public.
  (d) In conducting the survey, the Attorney General shall ensure that the confidentiality of participating school districts and pupils shall be maintained. Pupil questionnaires and answer sheets shall be exempt from the public disclosure requirements prescribed by Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 6250) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code.
  (e) Persons reporting data pursuant to the requirements of this article shall not be liable for damages in any action based upon the use or misuse of pupil surveys that are mailed or otherwise transmitted to the Attorney General, or his or her designee.
  (f) The requirements prescribed by this article shall continue to be funded with the existing resources of the Attorney General.