New Mexico House Republicans this month requested that the federal Department of Justice conduct an investigation of the state's developmental disability waiver program, alleging a "long history of problems" including waitlists and provider shortages they say state attorney general has "refused" to review.

The Republicans' letter acknowledges some progress has been made in improving the program, but states "the involvement of the U.S. Attorney's Office in conducting a federal investigation of the program would send a strong signal to the Health Care Authority's staff, service providers, family caregivers, and program recipients that essential services must be provided and those with developmental disabilities must be treated with the utmost respect."

The letter, dated Dec. 2 and addresse

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