The Division of Quality Management (DQM) supports the Office of Mental Health's mission to promote the mental health and well-being of all New Yorkers. DQM provides leadership in regulating, certifying, and overseeing the New York's public mental health system.

Bureau of Inspection and Certification (BIC)

• Licensing - An operating certificate (license) issued by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) is required for many mental health programs that are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Mental Health.


• Pre-Employment Checks - Information on complying with OMH requirements for the Staff Exclusion List, Criminal Background Check, and Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.


• Prior Approval Review (PAR) - The process for applying for certification (license) from OMH is through the Prior Approval Review process.


• Telehealth Services - Information and guidance for providers who offer telehealth services to their clients.

Office of Quality Improvement (OQI)

• Clinical Risk Management (CRM) - Helps providers licensed or operated by the Office of Mental Health (OMH) establish and maintain an incident management program.


• External Review Unit - Works with OMH operated facilities to help them comply with CMS regulations and Joint Commission (TJC) standards.


• New York State Incident Management and Reporting System (NIMRS) - A secure, web-based application used by OMH licensed or operated providers to report incidents to both OMH and the NYS Justice Center.

Comments or questions about the information on this page can be directed to the Bureau of Inspection and Certification (BIC).