NRS453.155. Programs for research and education.

      1.  The Board or Investigation Division, in cooperation with the Division of Public and Behavioral Health of the Department, may carry out educational programs designed to prevent and deter misuse and abuse of controlled substances. In connection with these programs the Board or Investigation Division may:

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

      (e) Disseminate the results 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 alleviate them;

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

      (g) Carry out education and training for physicians, pharmacists and patients regarding the ability of the patient to request to have the symptom or purpose for which a controlled substance is prescribed included on the label attached to the container of the controlled substance.

      2.  The Board shall encourage research on misuse and abuse of controlled substances. In connection with the research, and in furtherance of the enforcement of the provisions of NRS 453.011 to 453.552, inclusive, it may:

      (a) Establish methods to assess accurately the effects of controlled substances and identify and characterize those with potential for abuse;

      (b) Make studies and undertake programs of research to:

             (1) Develop new or improved approaches, techniques, systems, equipment and devices to strengthen the enforcement of such sections;

             (2) Determine patterns of misuse and abuse of controlled substances and the social effects thereof; and

             (3) Improve methods for preventing, predicting, understanding and dealing with the misuse and abuse of controlled substances; and

      (c) Enter into contracts with public agencies, institutions of higher education, and private organizations or individuals for the purpose of conducting research, demonstrations or special projects which bear directly on misuse and abuse of controlled substances.

      3.  The Board 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 subject of the research. A person who obtains this authorization is 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.

      4.  The Board may authorize the possession and distribution of controlled substances by persons engaged in research. A person who obtains this authorization is exempt from state prosecution for possession and distribution of controlled substances to the extent of the authorization. The Board shall promptly notify the Division of any such authorization.

      (Added to NRS by 1971, 2015; A 1973, 582, 1210; 1991, 1652; 2011, 2040)