§329-58 Education and research. (a) The department of public safety shall carry out educational programs designed to prevent and determine misuse and abuse of controlled substances. In connection with these programs it may:

(1) Promote better recognition of the problems of misuse and abuse of controlled substances within the regulated industry and among interested groups and organizations;

(2) Assist the regulated industry and interested groups and organizations in contributing to the reduction of misuse and abuse of controlled substances;

(3) Consult with interested groups and organizations to aid them in solving administrative and organizational problems;

(4) Evaluate procedures, projects, techniques, and controls conducted or proposed as part of educational programs on misuse and abuse of controlled substances;

(5) Disseminate the result of research on misuse and abuse of controlled substances to promote a better public understanding of what problems exist and what can be done to combat them;

(6) Assist in the education and training of state and local law enforcement officials in their efforts to control misuse and abuse of controlled substances.

(b) The department of public safety 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 subjects of research for which the authorization was obtained.

(c) The department of public safety 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. [L 1972, c 10, pt of §1; am L 1990, c 281, §10; am L Sp 1993, c 8, §54; am L 2004, c 216, §38]