(1) The
BHA shall:
(a) Develop, encourage, and foster statewide, regional, and local plans and
programs for the prevention of substance use disorders and treatment of persons
with substance use disorders, persons intoxicated by alcohol, and persons under
the influence of drugs, in cooperation with public and private agencies,
organizations, and individuals, and provide technical assistance and consultation
services for these purposes;
(b) Coordinate the efforts and enlist the assistance of all public and private
agencies, organizations, and individuals interested in prevention of substance use
disorders and treatment of persons with substance use disorders, persons
intoxicated by alcohol, and persons under the influence of drugs;
(c) Utilize behavioral health entities, community mental health centers and
clinics, or other approved treatment facilities, whenever feasible;
(d) Cooperate with the department of corrections in establishing and
conducting programs for the prevention of substance use disorders and treatment
of persons with substance use disorders, persons intoxicated by alcohol, and
persons under the influence of drugs in appropriate agencies and institutions and
for persons with substance use disorders, persons intoxicated by alcohol, and
persons under the influence of drugs in or on parole from correctional institutions
and in carrying out duties specified in subsections (1)(i) and (1)(k) of this section;
(e) Cooperate with the department of education, schools, police
departments, courts, and other public and private agencies, organizations, and
individuals in establishing programs for the prevention of substance use disorders
and treatment of persons with substance use disorders, persons intoxicated by
alcohol, and persons under the influence of drugs and preparing curriculum
materials for use at all levels of school education;
(f) Prepare, publish, evaluate, and disseminate educational material dealing
with the nature and effects of alcohol and drugs;
(g) Develop and implement, as an integral part of substance use disorder
treatment programs, an educational program for use in the treatment of persons
with substance use disorders, persons intoxicated by alcohol, and persons under
the influence of drugs. The program must include the dissemination of information
concerning the nature and effects of alcohol and drugs.
(h) Organize and foster training programs for all persons engaged in
treatment of persons with substance use disorders, persons intoxicated by alcohol,
and persons under the influence of drugs;
(i) Sponsor and encourage research into the causes and nature of substance
use disorders and treatment of persons with substance use disorders, persons
intoxicated by alcohol, and persons under the influence of drugs, and serve as a
clearinghouse for information relating to substance use disorders;
(j) Specify uniform methods for keeping statistical information by public and
private agencies, organizations, and individuals and collect and make available
relevant statistical information, including number of persons treated, frequency of
admission and readmission, and frequency and duration of treatment;
(k) Advise the governor in the preparation of a comprehensive plan for
treatment of persons with substance use disorders, persons intoxicated by alcohol,
and persons under the influence of drugs for inclusion in the state's comprehensive
health plan;
(l) Review all state health, welfare, and treatment plans to be submitted for
federal funding under federal legislation and advise the governor on provisions to
be included relating to substance use disorders, persons with substance use
disorders, and persons under the influence of drugs;
(m) Assist in the development of, and cooperate with, substance use
education and treatment programs for employees of state and local governments
and businesses and industries in this state;
(n) Utilize the support and assistance of interested persons in the
community, particularly persons with substance use disorders that are in remission,
to encourage persons with substance use disorders to voluntarily undergo
treatment;
(o) Cooperate with the department of transportation in establishing and
conducting programs designed to deal with the problem of persons operating
motor vehicles while under the influence of, or impaired by, alcohol or drugs;
(p) Encourage general hospitals and other appropriate health facilities to
admit without discrimination persons with substance use disorders, persons
intoxicated by alcohol, and persons under the influence of drugs and to provide
them with adequate and appropriate treatment;
(q) Encourage all health and disability insurance programs to include
substance use disorders as a covered illness;
(r) Submit to the governor an annual report covering the activities of the
BHA; and
(s) Train emergency departments and certified peace officers in the
procedures required pursuant to sections 27-81-111 and 27-81-112.