Robert Kent, Esq., is the General Counsel for New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse since 2007 where he provides overall legal support, guidance, and direction to the Executive Office and all divisions of the agency. A graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, Mr. Kent has achieved a long list of important accomplishments while serving as General Counsel, including overseeing the transition to Medicaid Managed Care, negotiating a model contract with the health plans protecting Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and establishing them as essential providers, implementing new streamlined regulations which provide significant regulatory relief to providers and patients, support of medication assisted treatment, helping to establish a reimbursement rate for buprenorphine in OTPs, support for peer-recovery and establishing new OTPs in areas of unmet need. Despite his many responsibilities, he is never too busy to engage with a concerned patient and assist them in their time of need. His constant focus on the betterment of the opioid treatment system and those impacted by opioid addiction is inspirational.