New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 14 - DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HYGIENE
Chapter XXI - OFFICE OF ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Part 802 - VITAL ACCESS PROGRAM AND PROVIDERS
Section 802.1 - Background and Intent

The purpose of this Part is to provide a means to support the stability and geographic distribution of substance use disorder treatment services throughout all geographic and economic regions of the State. A designation of vital access provider denotes the State's determination to ensure patient access to a provider's essential services otherwise jeopardized by the provider's payer mix or geographic isolation. Vital access providers in the OASAS system are limited to eligible OASAS certified inpatient rehabilitation facilities, or such other programs as may be designated by the commissioner.