LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE

The Office of Constituent Support (OCS) provides community and referral resources, responds to emergent constituent grievances, questions and concerns, facilitates and mediates interdisciplinary team disputes, and conducts community outreach and education on the services and supports offered by the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division.

Community Resource and Referral

OCS supports individuals and their families in accessing information about community resources, including self-advocacy and advocacy organizations, as well as guidance on Social Security, disability benefits, and community resources. The OCS also connects individuals and families with the appropriate contacts for specific questions related to the services they currently receive or may be interested in exploring. For more information, please read: Guide to Accessing Community Resources Contact and Referral Information

Grievances, Questions and Concerns

To receive support from the OCS regarding any program related issues, or to get help finding information, contact the OCS Manager (listed below).

Team Facilitation and Mediation

OCS supports individuals and their teams, family members/guardians, and community support providers through team facilitation when there is a disagreement or communication issue among interdisciplinary team members. OCS can also provide mediation for individuals and their teams as appropriate.

Community Outreach

OCS participates in statewide outreach events such as the annual Southwest Conference on Disability in Albuquerque, The Arc Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference, as well as many other events. At these events, information is distributed regarding the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division’s programs.

Constituent Resources

OCS provides resources for individuals, family members/guardians, and community support providers on different topics including but not limited to healthcare decision making, guardianship, and alternatives to guardianship.

• Healthcare Decisions

  • New Mexico Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) Form
  • NM Uniform Healthcare Decisions Act (UHCDA): Surrogate Decision Maker

• Guardianship

• Ethical Principles (2017)
• Guardianship Overview and Resources
• Links to Advocacy Resources
• National Guardianship Association – Bill of Rights (Revised -11/2022)
• NM Guardianship Association Handbook (June 2022)
• Types of Supported Decision Making

Contact Information

Office of Constituent Support
Bureau of Systems Improvement
5300 Homestead Road NE, Suite 200
Albuquerque, NM 87110

Office of Constituent Supports Manager

Claudia Rice                                                                                                            
hca-ddsd.constituents@hca.nm.gov
505-546-9428