1.  Oversee office. 

1-A.  Advise the department.  The commission shall advise the department in the development and implementation of significant policy matters relating to substance use disorder.  

2.  Advise, consult and assist.  The commission shall advise, consult and assist the Governor, the executive and legislative branches of State Government and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court with activities of State Government related to substance use disorder prevention.  

3.  Serve as advocate; review and evaluate; inform the public.  The commission shall serve as an advocate and resource for the State on substance use disorder intervention, prevention, treatment and recovery. The commission shall promote and assess activities designed to meet and remediate challenges of substance use disorder in the State. With the support of the department, the commission shall review and evaluate on a continuing basis state and federal policies and programs relating to substance use disorder. In cooperation with the department, the commission shall keep the public informed by collecting and disseminating information, by conducting or commissioning studies and publishing the results of those studies, by issuing publications and reports and by providing public forums, including conferences and workshops. The commission, based on its activities pursuant to this subsection, shall make recommendations relating to substance use disorder to the department and the Governor.  

4.  Report to the Legislature.  The commission shall report annually to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs on or before the last business day of each year. The report must include developments and needs related to substance use disorder intervention, prevention, treatment and recovery in the State.