Developmental Disabilities Waiver
The Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver program also known in New Mexico as the “traditional DD waiver” is designed to provide Services and Supports that assist eligible children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to participate as active members of their communities. The DD Waiver is one of several waivers available in New Mexico. The program serves as an alternative to institutional care.
New Mexico’s traditional DD Waiver Program is a person-centered, community-oriented approach to deliver supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The approach emphasizes:
- That people with IDD oversee their lives as much as possible.
- That people with IDD have opportunities to use resources in ways that enhance their lives and help them participate in their communities.
- A shared responsibility for the wise use of public dollars and the contribution that people with IDD and their families can make.
- That the system is managed in a way that is efficient and fair to everyone.
Please visit the Intake and Eligibility page for contact information to check your status on the Central Registry (Waiting List) or to learn how to apply.
General Information
Since the late 1970's there has been a national movement to provide services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities in the community rather than in institutions. While there has been a significant shift to community-based care nationwide, New Mexico is the leader in this area. New Mexico has used waiver funding to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1984. Every five years New Mexico needs to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for federal approval to renew the DD Waiver Program under Federal 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver rules. The New Mexico’s Human Services Department HSD administers the DD Waiver while Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) is the operating agency.
Please visit the New Mexico Human Services Department website to find updates on the currently approved Developmental Disabilities Waiver and any requests for public comment.
On January 16, 2014, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published a Final Rule addressing several sections of the Social Security Act. The Final Rule amends the regulations which govern the HCBS waiver programs. These rules are an important step forward in federal policy, supporting inclusion and integration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community.
The Final Rule applies to New Mexico’s HCBS waiver programs including the DD Waiver. All states are required to comply with the new rule by March 2019. The NMDOH (DDSD) launched the Know Your Rights Campaign which refers to New Mexico’s activities related to raise awareness for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in integrated living, vocational, educational, recreational, social and leisure activities in the community.
Public Input
DDSD will afford stakeholders the opportunity to provide comments and feedback to DDSD about initiatives, service standards, and operations under the Developmental Disabilities Waiver. Please continue checking here for any upcoming public input request.
DDW Service Standards Simplification:
- DD Waiver Service Standards Draft-Snapshot of Edits
- DD Waiver Service Standards-Draft
- DDSD Numbered Memo 2023-06
- Submit Feedback for DD Waiver Standards Edits Here- Feedback for DD Waiver Standards
Communication to the Field
DDSD releases a variety of different types of communications. Please continue reading for more information regarding numbered memos, news alerts, and activities such as public events and webinars.
Numbered Memos
These numbered memos provide important information for DD Waiver providers and interested parties.
2023
2022
2021
Rate Study
DDSD contracted with Public Consulting Group, Inc. (PCG) to perform a study to recommend reimbursement rates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving services through the traditional Developmental Disabilities (DD), self-directed Mi Via and Medically Fragile Waivers.
For information on current Rate Study visit Developmental Disabilities
Training
Visit the Developmental Disabilities Waiver Training section of our website to learn more.
Learn More
Applications & Central Registry
If you are interested in applying for DD Waiver or checking your status on the Central Registry, please visit the Intake and Eligibility section of our website.
Pre-Admission Screening & Resident Review
For more information on PASRR, please visit the Pre-Admission Screening & Resident Review section of our website.
Additional Information
Please visit the following quick links and for DD Waiver providers.
- New Mexico Medicaid Portal
- New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD)
- University of New Mexico Continuum of Care
- University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability
- Healthcare Coordination — Quality initiative of our Clinical Services Bureau
- Core Curriculum — Training material from the DDSD training unit.
- Division of Health Improvement
- Secondary Freedom of Choice
Contact Information
Please visit the Developmental Disabilities Waiver Staff Directory page for a listing of staff members for this waiver program. Additional contact information for the Financial Management Agency is provided below.
Recent Activity
News Articles
Latest
- Family Supports Program Launches (January 31, 2020)