NMHR News:

SANTA FE — Republican members of the New Mexico House of Representatives have formally requested that the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico initiate a federal investigation into the state’s Developmentally Disabled Waiver program after continued inaction at the state level. In February 2024, a bipartisan group of 63 legislators urged the New Mexico Attorney General to investigate concerns surrounding the DD Waiver program and report findings to the Legislature. Despite months of bipartisan concern, no report was ever delivered.

“New Mexico’s DD Waiver program exists to protect and serve some of the most vulnerable individuals in our state,” House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong said. “When serious concerns are raised and ignored, lawmakers have a duty to step in and demand accountability.”

The DD Waiver program is funded largely through federal dollars and must comply with federal laws and regulations. Lawmakers cited long-standing issues including extensive waitlists, provider shortages, and failures to ensure recipients receive required services.

As a result of the state’s failure to act, lawmakers have asked federal authorities to investigate the program and ensure compliance with federal standards.

The request was sent to Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and copied to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.