OMH Field Offices | Patient Safety Standards Guidelines | BHSA Council

To apply for certification (license) from the Office of Mental Health (OMH), providers must go through the Prior Approval Review (PAR) process.

Why Does Licensing Matter

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 OMH meet appropriate criteria for quality, safety, and fiscal viability.

Who Needs to Apply

Organizations that want to establish, change, or close an OMH-licensed program must submit the appropriate Prior Approval Review application.

To determine if the services you intend to provide require licensure, review the Licensed Program Type Definitions.

PAR Resources

• Guidance on Becoming a Licensed Provider
• PAR Project Category Table
• PAR FAQs
• Regulations
• EZPAR Application Guidance
• Sample Letters of Intent
• Establish New Licensed Program (excluding NYC Providers)
• Changes to Existing Licensed Program (excluding NYC Providers)
• All PARs for NYC Providers
• Sample County Letter of Support

PAR Application

Before submitting a PAR application, applicants must consult with their local Director of Community Services and OMH Field Office. The Field Office will identify the type of PAR application and supporting documentation needed.

Mental Health Provider Data Exchange:

All PAR Applications are submitted through the Mental Health Provider Data Exchange (MHPD) system. For more information visit the MHPD homepage.

Comprehensive PAR Application:

The Comprehensive PAR Application should be used for all projects subject to a comprehensive prior approval by the OMH in accordance with 14 NYCRR Part 551. This includes outpatient, inpatient, crisis, and residential programs.

• Comprehensive PAR Application

Budget Tools:

• PAR Budget Tool
• State-issued Upstate CMHRS Budget Tool
• State-issued Downstate CMHRS Budget Tool
• MHOTRS Program Financial Modeling Calculator

Addendums:

• Mental Health Outpatient Treatment and Rehabilitative Services (MHOTRS)
• Adult Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
• Youth ACT
• Flexible ACT

New York City PAR Applicants:

Email the following correspondence to the NYC Health Department at parreview@health.ny.gov.

If the Letter of Intent pertains to child/adolescent services*, address correspondence to:

Marnie Davidoff, MPA
Assistant Commissioner
Bureau of Children, Youth, and Families
NYC DOHMH
Attn: PAR Review
Gotham Center
42-09 28th Street, CN #23 (18th floor)
Long Island City, NY 11101-4132

If the Letter of Intent pertains to adult services*, address correspondence to:

Jamie Neckles, MA, MSW
Acting Assistant Commissioner
Bureau of Mental Health
NYC DOHMH
Attn: PAR Review
Gotham Center
42-09 28th Street, CN #13C (20th floor)
Long Island City, NY 11101-4132

*If the letter of intent pertains to both children/adolescents and adults, address the letter to both Marnie Davidoff and Jamie Neckles.

Specifics for the NYC Crisis Intervention and Non-Business Hours Assistance Plans.

Crisis Stabilization Centers

Per Mental Hygiene Law Article 36, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and OMH are authorized to jointly license Crisis Stabilization Centers (CSC).

Instructions for Accessing and Navigating NYS Electronic Certificate of Need Portal (NYSE-CON):

• HCS NYSE-CON Instructions
• Public Authentication NYSE-CON Instructions

How to Submit a CSC Certification Application:

Follow the steps below to submit a CSC Certification Application:

1. Download and complete the Attachment 1A - Prior Consultation.
2. Send Attachment 1A to the local government unit(s) (LGU), OMH Field Office, and OASAS Regional Office to request a prior consultation meeting.
3. Complete the Prior Consult Meeting and get the necessary signatures in section 4 of Attachment 1A
4. Download and complete the schedules that must be submitted as part of the NYSE-CON application. The schedules marked with an asterisk are only required for providers not currently licensed by either OMH or OASAS. Note: additional attachments may be required as indicated within the schedules.
1. Application Summary
2. Part I - Entity Information
3. Part II - Site Information
4. Part III - Service Description
5. Part IV - Resource Allocation
6. Appendix I - Governing Authority Questionnaire*
7. Appendix IV - Character and Competence Applicant Review*
8. Appendix V - Applicant Consent Form for Fingerprinting
5. Access the NYSE-CON portal to complete the application and attach schedules as indicated.
6. After you've submitted the application, all communication will go through the NYSE-CON portal.