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Office of Mental Health

OMH Regulation Waiver Decisions

Section 501.3(a)(7) of Title 14 NYCRR requires the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to post requests for regulation waivers, and the Commissioner’s decision regarding those requests.

WAIVER PENDING

Date: October 18, 2024

Waiver Request:
An agency is requesting approval to waive 14 NYCRR Section 594.5(g)(2) to allow the agency to operate an Adolescent CREDIT Program with a bed capacity of 14, which exceeds the maximum licensed capacity of 8 by 6 beds.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Section 594.5(g)(2)

Commissioner's Decision:

WAIVER PENDING

Date: September 10, 2024

Waiver Request:
Comprehensive Psychiatrist Emergency Program provider requested to waive the requirement for a full-time psychiatrist to be on-duty and available at all times.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Section 590.10(c)(1)

Commissioner's Decision:

WAIVER PENDING

Date: August 1, 2024

Waiver Request:
In the midst of significant staff recruitment and retention challenges a waiver is required for the Children’s Community Residence Programs to assign staff to direct care based on the number of recipients in residence for peak shifts. This waiver is in effect until Title 14 NYCRR Part 594 is updated.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Section 594.11(h)

Commissioner's Decision:
This waiver was originally issued from May 1, 2022 through May 1, 2023, and subsequently renewed on May 1, 2023 and August 1, 2023. OMH continues to recognize the need to extend this waiver. This extension applies to all OMH licensed Children’s Community Residence Programs and is in effect until Title 14 NYCRR Part 594 is updated.

WAIVER DECISION

Date: July 13, 2024

Waiver Request:
A waiver is required for the Children’s Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (CMHRS) Program to account for continued flexibility until such time as OMH can update necessary regulatory requirements to support State Plan services under Children and Family Treatment and Support Services covered under the license.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Section 511-2.5

Commissioner's Decision:
This waiver was initially issued on September 20, 2019, and subsequently renewed on July 22, 2020, July 20, 2021, July 13, 2022; and July 13, 2023. This waiver will release the expectation for ensuring full access to Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Family Peer Support, and Youth Peer Support by either direct provision by the CMHRS program provider agency or by agreement with a designated provider. It will enable CMHRS programs to continue with existing regulatory flexibilities while permitting OMH to finalize regulatory changes. This waiver applies to all OMH-licensed CMHRS programs and is extended until the Part 511-2 regulation has been updated.

WAIVER DECISION

Date: July 9, 2024

Waiver Request:
Provider requested a waiver to operate more than the 6 extended observation bed limit for this type of program.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Part 590.7(b)(9)

Commissioner's Decision:
This waiver is approved through July 31, 2027.

WAIVER DECISION

Date: July 2, 2024

Waiver Request:
Provider requested a waiver to retain a 20-year-old in their Children’s Community Residence until they can secure an Adult Community Residence bed.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Part 594.8 (i)

Commissioner's Decision:
This waiver is approved through November 25, 2024.

WAIVER DECISION

Date: June 11, 2024

Waiver Request:
Provider requested a waiver to retain a 19-year-old in their Children’s Community Residence

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Part 594.8 (b)(i)

Commissioner's Decision:
This Waiver is approved through November 30, 2024.

WAIVER DECISION

Date: April 11, 2024

Waiver Request:
First waiver renewal request of 14 NYCRR Part 595.15(b)(1)(i)(a) for a Community Residence to waive bedroom space requirements for single and multiple resident bedrooms.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Part 595.15(b)(1)(i)(a)

Commissioner's Decision:
This waiver is approved through March 31, 2027.

PENDING

Date: April 2, 2024

Waiver Request:
Provider requested a 501 waiver of age criteria for admission to a Children & Youth Community Residence, in order to admit a resident who had attained age 18.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Section 594.8(b)(1), 594.8(i)

Waiver Decision

Date: March 18, 2024

Waiver Request:
Provider is requesting to have Certification requirements of a Medical Director waived given experience and qualifications.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Section 598.12(c)(2)

Commissioner's Decision:
The waiver is approved through March 29, 2027.

WAIVER DECISION

Date: February 28, 2024

Waiver Request:
Provider requested a renewal waiver for a Physician Assistant to treat children, adolescents, or adults at a Mental Health Outpatient Treatment and Rehabilitative Services (MHOTRS) program.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Sections 599.9(b)(2), 599.9(b)(6)

Commissioner's Decision:
The waiver is approved through January 31, 2027.

PENDING

Date: February 1, 2024

Waiver Request:
Provider requested approval to keep an 18-year-old in the adolescent unit until they can be transferred to the adult unit in 8-12 weeks.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Section 580.6(6)(4)

WAIVER DECISION

Date: January 10, 2024

Waiver Request:
Provider requested to approve a psychiatric nurse practitioner to provide Clinical Treatment services to adults at a PROS program in lieu of a psychiatrist.

Regulations at Issue:
14 NYCRR Section 512.7(d)(7)(iv)(a)
14 NYCRR Section 512.7(d)(7)(v)(a)

Commissioner's Decision:
The waiver is approved through March 31, 2025.