Introduction This position leads and directs the work of the Office of Provider Engagement and Regulation (OPER).  In response to the Opioid overdose crisis in Maryland and in an effort to better coordinate controlled dangerous substance (CDS) prescriber support services and regulations, the Office of Controlled Substance Administration (OCSA) and the Prescription Drug Monitoring/Overdose Prevention Applied Data Programs (PDMP) were merged, effective February 4, 2019, creating OPER.  OPER will continue the functions of both OCSA and PDMP with a more targeted focus on supporting prescribers and dispensers in the initiation and continuation of best practices to ensure appropriate patient use of opioids. OPER leads multiple initiatives that aim to