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.
(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 491, Sec. 3. (SB 1438) Effective January 1, 2015.)