OPWDD Navigator
Ask about New York OPWDD rules. Answers cite the official documents.
Eligibility, ADMs, the HCBS settings rule, housing subsidies, certified versus non-certified housing. The Navigator answers in plain language and points at the statute, the NYCRR, or the ADM that says so.
A few honest notes before you start. The Navigator is an AI assistant, so double-check anything important with your Care Manager or the agency involved. It gives general legal information, not legal advice. Online NYCRR is unofficial. We do not save your conversation, and you never need to share Social Security numbers or other private details, just your county and your situation. For rent, Section 8, or tenant rights, use the Housing Navigator.
The OPWDD Navigator is an experimental service from 1000 Villagers. It is not a substitute for a Care Manager or attorney. For emergencies call 911. To report abuse or neglect of a person with a disability, call the NYS Justice Center at 1-800-624-4143. Questions or feedback? Write to hello@1000villagers.org.
The official sources
The official home for current and proposed rules, ADMs, and Informational Letters is OPWDD’s Regulations & Guidance page. As of August 14, 2026, that list had 102 ADMs, INFs, and guidance documents.
The statute
OPWDD is created and governed by the New York Mental Hygiene Law. The current text is published by the Senate at nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/MHY. Article 13 is the Office itself. Other articles that come up often include eligibility and due process, Article 16 services, and Article 82 on supported decision-making.
The regulations
OPWDD’s rules are in Title 14 of the NYCRR, Parts 602 through 690. The Department of State posts an unofficial electronic version at govt.westlaw.com/nycrr. A readable part-by-part listing of Chapter XIV is also at Justia, Title 14, Chapter XIV.
OPWDD’s own note: because of posting delays, the DOS website may not be the most current version. Check Current & Proposed Regulations for what is in motion.
Administrative Directive Memoranda (ADMs)
These are the “DMs” families and providers usually mean. OPWDD issues ADMs and Informational Letters (INFs) to tell regulated parties how to comply with the statutes and rules. They are not internal memos.
- ADM #2022-03, OPWDD Housing Subsidy Program (formerly ISS).
- ADM #2024-03, Certified Residential Opportunities (CRO).
- ADM #2023-02, Eligibility Determination Process.
- 23-ADM-06R, Individual Eligibility and Enrollment for the OPWDD HCBS Waiver.
- ADM #2023-05, Occupancy Agreement Guidelines.
HCBS settings rule
The federal rule is the CMS Home and Community-Based Services settings regulation (42 CFR 441.301 and 441.710). New York’s OPWDD implementation is 14 NYCRR Part 636. OPWDD’s working page is the HCBS Settings Toolkit.
Legal advisory bulletins
OPWDD does not publish a public series labeled “Legal Advisory Bulletins.” The documents that do that work on the public site are ADMs, INFs, and the guidance letters on Regulations & Guidance.