Purpose — Maine Code § 20002.

§ 20002.. Purpose

The purposes of this Act are:   [PL 1989, c. 934, Pt. A, §3 (NEW).]

1.  Integrated and comprehensive approach.  To adopt an integrated approach to the problem of substance use disorder and to focus all the varied resources of the State on developing a comprehensive and effective range of substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery activities and services;

2.  Coordination of activities and services.  To establish within the Department of Health and Human Services the responsibility for planning, developing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating all of the State's substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery activities and services;

3.  Tobacco use by juveniles.  To enforce the State's laws relating to the sale and use of tobacco products by juveniles and to coordinate state and local activities related to those provisions. The department shall take all necessary actions to ensure compliance with the Synar Act, 42 United States Code, Section 300X‑26, including the preparations of reports for the signature of the Governor. All law enforcement agencies, all state departments, including the Department of Public Safety, and municipalities shall cooperate with the department in these efforts.

The department may enter into any contracts or agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties under this section, subject to section 20005, subsection 6 and Title 22‑A, section 214. The department shall provide or assist in the provision of voluntary training programs regarding the sales of tobacco products to juveniles; and  

4.  Gambling addiction counseling.  To establish standards for the provision of gambling addiction counseling services and other activities relating to the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction. The department may accept private, state and federal funds to support the performance of its duties under this subsection.