District Of Columbia § 32-501 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 32-501 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-501. Definitions.
32-501For purposes of this chapter, the term:
“Employee” means any individual who has been employed by the same employer for 1 year without a break in service except for regular holiday, sick, or personal leave granted by the employer and has worked at least 1000 hours during the 12-month period immediately preceding the request for family or medical leave.
“Employer” means any individual, firm, association, or corporation, any receiver or trustee of any individual firm, association, or corporation, or the legal representative of a deceased employer, including the District of Columbia (“District”) government, who uses the services of another individual for pay in the District.
“Employment benefit” means any benefit, other than salary or wages, provided or made available to an employee by an employer, including, but not limited to, group life, health, and disability insurance, sick and annual leave, and educational and pension benefits, regardless of whether the benefit is provided by a policy or practice of an employer or by an employee welfare benefit plan as defined in title 1, subtitle A, section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, effective September 2, 1974 (88 Stat. 833; 29 U.S.C. 1002(1)).
“Family member” means:
A person to whom the employee is related by blood, legal custody, or marriage;
A child who lives with an employee and for whom the employee permanently assumes and discharges parental responsibility; or
A person with whom the employee shares or has shared, within the last year, a mutual residence and with whom the employee maintains a committed relationship.
“Health care provider” means any person licensed under federal, state, or District law to provide health care services.
“Public safety agency” means the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, the Fire Department of the District of Columbia, or the Department of Corrections.
“Mayor” means Mayor of the District of Columbia.
“Reduced leave schedule” means leave scheduled for a fewer number of hours than an employee usually works during each workweek or workday.
“Serious health condition” means a physical or mental illness, injury, or impairment that involves:
Inpatient care in a hospital, hospice, or residential health care facility; or
Continuing treatment or supervision at home by a health care provider or other competent individual.
“Local educational agency” shall have the same meaning as the term has in section 1471(12) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, approved April 28, 1988 (102 Stat. 201; 20 U.S.C. 2891(12)) [omitted].
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 32-501
What does D.C. Code § 32-501 cover?
Section 32-501 ("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 § 32-501?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 32-501" (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 § 32-501 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.