He is also Counsel to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Health Care Quality, which agency licenses and regulates health care programs and facilities in the State of Maryland. Prior to performing his present duties, Mr. Ballard was counsel to various health occupation licensing boards, including the Dental, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Social Work and Acupuncture Boards. Before being assigned to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, he was an Assistant Attorney General with the Maryland Department of Transportation. In 2005 he received the Attorney General's Exceptional Service Award. He has been practicing law since 1987.