(a) In order to receive reimbursement for community rehabilitation services pursuant to this Part, each program operated by a provider of service shall have a valid operating certificate issued by the Office of Mental Health as well as a contract to provide services.

(b) Reimbursement shall be made only for community rehabilitation services provided to individuals who have been authorized in writing as set forth in section 593.6 of this Part to receive community rehabilitation services provided by a licensed residential program. Such individuals must have a severe and persistent mental illness or, for children and adolescents, serious emotional disturbance, as defined by the commissioner in the Office of Mental Health's Annual Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services developed pursuant to section 5.07 of the Mental Hygiene Law. Community rehabilitation services are delineated in section 593.4(b) and (c) of this Part.