Section 22-B1699. DEFINITIONS

 

1699.1For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless otherwise provided:

 

Applicant - a parent, guardian or family member for the mentally retarded person.

 

Community Residence Facility - a facility that provides a sheltered living environment for individuals aged eighteen (18) or older (except that, in the case of group homes for mentally retarded persons, no minimum age shall apply) who desire or need such an environment because of their physical, mental, familial, social, or other circumstances, and who are not in the custody of the Department of Corrections of the District of Columbia.

 

Emergency - an unforseen circumstance that includes, but is not limited to:

 

(a)A temporary lack of supervision for the mentally retarded person due to the illness or hospitalization of the primary caregiver; or

 

(b)A temporary loss of the mentally retarded person’s home as a result of fire or other emergency.

 

Group Home for Mentally Retarded Persons - a community residence facility that provides a home-like environment for at least four (4) but no more than eight (8) related or unrelated mentally retarded individuals who require specialized living arrangements, and maintains the necessary staff, programs, support services, and equipment for their care and habilitation.

 

Hospital - a facility that provides twenty-four (24) hour inpatient care including diagnostic, therapeutic, and other health related services, for a variety of physical or mental conditions, and may in addition provide outpatient services, particularly emergency care.

 

Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded - a protective residential setting with on-going evaluation and planning, twenty-four (24) hour supervision, coordination, and integration of health and rehabilitation services by a team of professionals under the supervision of Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP) to help each resident to function at an optimal level; the facility or home will be certified for participation in the Federal Medicaid Program.

 

Least Restrictive Environment - a living arrangement which least inhibits an individual’s independence and right to liberty.

 

Mentally Retarded - a significantly sub-average general intellectual level determined in accordance with standard measurements as recorded in the Manual of Terminology and Classification in Mental Retardation, 1973, American Association on Mental Deficiency, existing concurrently with impairment in adaptive behavior, which originates during the development period.

 

Nursing Home - a twenty-four (24) hour inpatient facility, or distinct part-thereof, primarily engaged in providing professional nursing services, health-related services, and other supportive service needed by the patient resident.

 

Primary Caregiver - parents, guardian, family member or specialized foster parents who customarily care for the mentally retarded person.

 

Provider - a public or private agency which provides respite care services under a contractual agreement with the Administration.

 

Respite Care - temporary overnight care provided to a mentally retarded person in a hospital or facility, upon application of a primary caregiver, for the temporary relief of the parent, guardian or family member, who normally provides for the care of the person.

 

Specialized Foster Home - a structured living environment combined with the companionship, guidance, support and the personal attention of a family setting for mentally retarded persons.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 34 DCR 3319, 3323 (May 22, 1987).