SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) reports that it has completed its health and safety wellness checks for all 6,815 clients receiving services from the states’ Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver programs.
“This was a huge and necessary undertaking to visit in-person all 6,815 Wavier clients in a short period of time,” said Secretary Patrick Allen. “I’m very grateful for the help several agencies and many staff provided to get these visits done.”
The 6,815 in-person wellness visits were completed Wednesday, April 19, 2023. These visits have identified a total of 111 sites with possible concerns. Every one of these incidents is being fully investigated.
Of those 111 sites:
- 61 sites resulted in reported allegations of potential abuse, neglect and exploitation.
- 50 sites had concerns that primarily revolved around home repairs, damages or other environmental concerns.
Anyone found to be in an abusive situation or is in danger of immediate harm will be removed. Individuals associated with cases where abuse has been substantiated will be referred to the Employee Abuse Registry. Licensed professionals will be referred to their respective boards, and referrals to law enforcement will also be made as appropriate.
“Individuals who receive services from our Developmental Disabilities Waiver Programs, are among the state’s most vulnerable residents,” said Secretary Allen. “We have a responsibility to make sure they are receiving appropriate services and that we are doing our job to make sure that those services are happening, and that people are well cared for. Most DD Waiver providers do. Our job is to make sure that they all do.”
Anyone suspecting abuse, neglect, or exploitation of any person who is on one of the state’s Developmental Disabilities Waiver Programs, or anyone else, please call the Adult Protective Services Central Intake Unit toll-free at: 1-866-654-3219.