District Of Columbia § 21-2202 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 21-2202 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-2202. Definitions.
21-2202For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
“Attorney in fact” means the person who receives the power of attorney for health-care decisions pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter.
“Close friend” means any adult who has exhibited significant care and concern for the patient, and has maintained regular contact with the patient so as to be familiar with his or her activities, health, and religious and moral beliefs.
“District” means the District of Columbia.
“Domestic partner” means an adult person living with, but not married to, another adult person in a committed, intimate relationship. The term “domestic partner” shall include any adult who has registered as a domestic partner under the Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of 1992, effective June 11, 1992 (; D.C. Official Code et seq.), as well as any adult who has registered as a domestic partner in a substantially equivalent program administered by another jurisdiction.
“Domestic partnership” means 2 adult persons living together, but not married, in a committed, intimate relationship. The term “domestic partnership” shall include any relationship registered under , as well as any relationship in another jurisdiction that includes a substantially equivalent registration requirement, including those relationships recognized under .
“Durable power of attorney for health care” means a legally enforceable document that:
Is executed in the District in a manner consistent with this subchapter or validly executed in another jurisdiction pursuant to similar provisions of the law of that jurisdiction; and
Creates a power of attorney for health-care decisions, which is effective upon, and only during incapacitation and is unaffected by the subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal as defined in this subchapter.
“Health-care provider” means any person or organizational entity, including health care facilities as defined in , licensed or otherwise authorized to provide health-care services in the District.
“Incapacitated individual” means an adult individual who lacks sufficient mental capacity to appreciate the nature and implications of a health-care decision, make a choice regarding the alternatives presented or communicate that choice in an unambiguous manner.
“Member of a religious order or diocesan priest” means an unmarried adult who, by vow or other bond of commitment, voluntarily undertakes a style of living under the rule and direction of a religious order or community that has been established for religious purposes and has been recognized and approved as a religious order or community by a church.
“Principal” means a person who is competent to make health-care decisions for his or her own benefit or on his or her own account.
“Qualified psychologist” means a person who is licensed pursuant to and has:
One year of formal training within a hospital setting; or
Two years of supervised clinical experience in an organized health-care setting, one year of which must be post-doctoral.
“Religious superior” means a bishop or a member of a religious order who, under the approved constitution, laws, statutes, bylaws, or rules of the religious order or community, exercises authority over the particular community or unit of the religious order to which the member of the religious order or community belongs.
Annotations
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 21-2202
What does D.C. Code § 21-2202 cover?
Section 21-2202 ("Definitions.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 21-2202?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 21-2202" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 21-2202 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.