(a) If an authorized provider is authorized to dispense or conduct research under State law, the Department shall register the authorized provider to dispense a controlled dangerous substance or to conduct research with a controlled dangerous substance listed in Schedule II through Schedule V.

(b) An authorized provider who prescribes a controlled dangerous substance listed in Schedule II through Schedule V shall be registered with the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program described in Title 21, Subtitle 2A of the Health – General Article before obtaining a new or renewal registration with the Department under subsection (a) of this section.

(c) The Department need not require separate registration under this section for an authorized provider who is:

(1) engaged in research with a nonnarcotic controlled dangerous substance in Schedule II through Schedule V; and

(2) already registered under this subtitle in another capacity.

(d) An authorized provider may conduct research in the State with a controlled dangerous substance listed in Schedule I if the authorized provider is registered under federal law to conduct research with a controlled dangerous substance listed in Schedule I and gives evidence of the registration to the Department.