1. Program Definition and Services 

Supported Employment Services in New Mexico provide short-term support to children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and chronic conditions. The program aims to help maintain individuals with disabilities in the community, averting the need for long-term services and supports. Services include: 

• In-Home Personal Care: Individual support in the individual/family home or community (Vocational Assessment, Job Development, Job Placement, Job Coaching, and Soft Skills Training) 
• Residential Personal Care: Supervision and care in a licensed residential, community-based setting (Job Retention Support, Career Counseling, Employer Engagement, Follow-Up and Monitoring, and Documentation) 

2. Regulations 

The program is governed by the following regulations: 

• New Mexico Administrative Code, Title 8, Chapter 314, Part 5 (Developmental Disabilities Home and Community-Based Services Waiver) 
• New Mexico Administrative Code, Title 8, Chapter 314, Part 6 (Mi Via Home and Community-Based Services Waiver) 
• New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) 
• Waiver Service Standards (Community Inclusion and Employment Standards) 
• Section 110 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Coordination rules governing the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Medicaid Waiver separation of funding) 

3. Licensing or Certification 

Providers must be certified by the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD), following all Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) requirements. While a standalone facility license is generally not required for community-based vocational coaching, agencies must establish approved provider status through regional DDSD open-enrollment cycles. 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), in coordination with the Department of Health (NMDOH) Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) and the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), is responsible for reviewing applications, verifying vocational support protocols, and certifying supported employment services providers. 

5. Application Process 

The application process is conducted through the electronic New Mexico Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal. Providers must submit forms online to initiate the application process after clearing regional DDSD open-enrollment requirements and demonstrating coordinating workflows with state vocational rehabilitation systems. 

6. Required Documentation 

While specific documentation requirements vary based on the target waiver, providers typically need to submit: 

• Proof of compliance with state community safety, accessibility, and operational rules 
• Agency policies and procedures (including job coaching methodologies and individual workplace safety plans) 
• Staff qualifications, training records, and certified vocational training or employment specialist credentials 
• Proof of general and professional liability insurance 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The exact timeline for approval fluctuates based on agency capacity. Providers should contact their regional office for detailed information on current processing timeframes. 

8. Pre-Application Process 

Prospective providers must complete specific foundation tasks before applying. They must establish their business entity and secure necessary federal identification numbers (such as an EIN and a Type 2 NPI). 

9. Pre-Application Training 

The state hosts mandatory administrative and compliance training sessions online. Access details are sent to qualified applicants once preliminary paperwork is reviewed.

10. Additional Notes 

• Providers must ensure that intensive care settings, community workspaces, and job placement sites meet all state accessibility and environmental safety guidelines 
• In-Home Personal Care must be provided directly by the certified agency's employed personnel 
• All direct care and vocational staff must conduct mandatory background clearances and fingerprinting screenings through the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening (CCHS) program 
• Providers must maintain detailed records of face-to-face services, workplace coaching logs, and vocational milestone updates for Medicaid documentation and billing

Why Choose Waiver Consulting Group? 

Starting or expanding your Medicaid waiver-funded agency can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. At Waiver Consulting Group, we simplify the process by guiding you through licensing, compliance, provider enrollment, policies & procedures, and regulatory approvals in any state. 

With proven expertise, a structured process, and ongoing support, we take the guesswork out of launching your healthcare business. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or an established provider looking to expand, our team ensures you stay compliant, competitive, and fully operational.

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