The Florida Senate

397.321  Duties of the department.--The department shall:

(1)  Develop a comprehensive state plan for the provision of substance abuse services. The plan must include:

(a)  Identification of incidence and prevalence of problems related to substance abuse.

(b)  Description of current services.

(c)  Need for services.

(d)  Cost of services.

(e)  Priorities for funding.

(f)  Strategies to address the identified needs and priorities.

(g)  Resource planning.

(2)  Ensure that a plan for substance abuse services is developed at the district level in accordance with the provisions of part IV of chapter 394, and the state plan pursuant to s. 394.79.

(3)  Provide on a direct or contractual basis, within the context of funds made available by appropriation:

(a)  Public education programs and an information clearinghouse to disseminate information about the nature and effects of substance abuse.

(b)  Training for personnel who provide substance abuse services.

(c)  A data collection and dissemination system, in accordance with applicable federal confidentiality regulations.

(d)  Basic epidemiological and statistical research and the dissemination of results.

(e)  Research in cooperation with qualified researchers on services delivered pursuant to this chapter.

(4)  Establish a funding program for the dissemination of available federal, state, and private funds through contractual agreements with community-based organizations or units of state or local government which deliver local substance abuse services.

(5)  Assume responsibility for adopting rules as necessary to comply with this chapter, including other state agencies in this effort, as appropriate.

(6)  Assume responsibility for licensing and regulating licensable service components delivering substance abuse services on behalf of service providers pursuant to this chapter.

(7)  Ensure that each licensed service provider develops a system and procedures for:

(a)  Client assessment.

(b)  Individualized treatment or services planning.

(c)  Client referral.

(d)  Client progress reviews.

(e)  Client followup.

(8)  Provide for the systematic and comprehensive program evaluation of substance abuse service providers that are state-owned, state-operated, or state-contracted.

(9)  Advise the Governor in the preparation of plans to be submitted for federal funding and support.

(10)  Provide a system of documentation and reporting commensurate with the requirements of federal and other agencies providing funding to the state.

(11)  Provide, within available funds, training and technical assistance to other state agencies relative to the problem of substance abuse and develop joint agreements with other state agencies to enhance the sharing of information and services.

(12)  Develop standards for employee assistance programs for employees of state government, local governments, and private business.

(13)  Ensure that service provider personnel have background checks as required in this chapter and meet the minimum standards.

(14)  In cooperation with service providers, foster and actively seek additional funding to enhance resources for prevention, intervention, and treatment services, including but not limited to the development of partnerships with:

(a)  Private industry.

(b)  Interdepartmental program offices, including, but not limited to, children and families; delinquency services; health services; economic services; and children's medical services.

(c)  State agencies, including, but not limited to, the Departments of Corrections, Education, Community Affairs, Elderly Affairs, and Insurance.

(15)  Appoint a substance abuse impairment coordinator to represent the department in efforts initiated by the statewide substance abuse impairment prevention and treatment coordinator established in s. 397.801 and to assist the statewide coordinator in fulfilling the responsibilities of that position.

(16)  Recognize a statewide certification process for addiction professionals and identify and endorse one or more agencies responsible for such certification of service provider personnel.

(17)  Provide sufficient and qualified staff to oversee all contracting, licensing, and planning functions within each of its district offices, as permitted by legislative appropriation.

(18)  Ensure that the department develops and ensures the implementation of procedures between its Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Program Office and other departmental programs, particularly the Children and Families Program Office and the Delinquency Services Program Office, regarding the referral of substance abuse impaired persons to service providers, information on service providers, information on methods of identifying substance abuse impaired juveniles, and procedures for referring such juveniles to appropriate service providers.

(19)  Designate addictions receiving facilities for the purpose of ensuring that only qualified service providers render services within the context of a secure facility setting.

History.--s. 2, ch. 93-39; s. 2, ch. 97-208; s. 34, ch. 97-271; s. 6, ch. 98-152.