Prior Approval Review (PAR)

The process for applying for certification (license) from OMH is through the Prior Approval Review (PAR) process. Title 14 of the Codes, Rules, and Regulations of the State of New York (14 NYCRR) Part 551 establishes the minimum standards to ensure that entities providing mental health services that seek an operating certificate from the Office of Mental Health (OMH) will meet appropriate criteria for quality, safety, and fiscal viability.

The purpose of this site is to help you determine the following:

• Whether the services you wish to provide require licensure as an OMH certified mental health program, and if so, how to apply for approval.
  • Who Needs to Apply?
  • PAR Application Status
  • PAR Process
  • Applications and Review Categories
  • EZ PAR Guidance Document
• Whether changes in the operation of an existing OMH certified program require the approval of the Commissioner of OMH, and if so, how to apply for approval.

Please note that a certified program provides an array of planned services, which are pre-defined by regulation to meet the specified needs of persons with mental illness, requires the prior approval of the Commissioner of OMH, and is issued an operating certificate.