(a) An application for certification of need for a new program or construction shall be in writing in the form and format approved by OPWDD. Submission of the application shall be in the manner specified by OPWDD.

(b) The applicant shall attest to his or her awareness of the requirements for operation in accordance with an operating certificate and the obligation to be certified prior to initiating operation and shall provide any other information as the commissioner may require.

(c) OPWDD shall advise the applicant of the procedures and schedule for review at the time of the submission of the application.

(d) The standards of this Part shall be applied to all applications at appropriate points in the program development process. Review and approval of a certification of need application does not in and of itself ensure program certification.