HONOREE
We are very grateful for our friends who continually provide the encouragement and
support that helps make us successful.
Robert A. Kent is the President of Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC and serves as a healthcare strategic policy advisor focused on helping clients maximize their opportunities to serve those in need of help.Robert previously served as the General Counsel with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). In this role, Robert provided overall legal support to all components of ONDCP. During his time at ONDCP, Robert helped advance policy changes to: eliminate the DEA X-waiver making buprenorphine access easier; adopt regulations to allow mobile methadone access nationwide; extend take home methadone dosing permanently; significantly update the rules that govern access to methadone; extend the rule to allow telephonic initiation to buprenorphine; made investments in harm reduction services; proposed a balanced approach to the scheduling of fentanyl related substances; proposed investments in people and technology to increase our intervention efforts at the border; and proposed a science-based rescheduling of marijuana.
Mr. Kent has also served in a similar capacity in New York State as the General Counsel for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). In this role, Robert provided overall legal support, policy guidance, and direction to the OASAS Executive Office and all divisions of the agency. Robert led the OASAS efforts to implement New York State’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force recommendations, including the Combat Addiction/Heroin Campaign, the Federal Opioid Targeted Grant program, and Medicaid Redesign Team initiatives including implementation of historic legislation to increase access to treatment, including harm reduction services.
Robert has co-authored articles on patient confidentiality and sober homes and has presented nationally on the addiction system of care. He is also a frequent contributor to media stories concerning drug policy.
Robert has received numerous awards recognizing his impact on the recovery field including: the Caron Foundation Legal Professional Public Service Award; the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies Leadership Awards; the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence’s Nyswander/Dole “Marie” Award; the Long Island Recovery Association Friend of Recovery Award; the Northern Tier Providers Coalition Public Service Award; the Friends of Recovery New York’s Charles Devlin Recovery Advocate Award; Christopher’s Reason’s Outstanding Leader in the Recovery Community Award; the NYAPRS’ Public Policy Leadership Award; the MHANYS’s CEO Award; and the NYS Justice Center’s Champion Award.
Mr. Kent is a graduate of the Syracuse University College of Law.