District Of Columbia § 44-551 - Definitions.

Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 44-551 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 44-551. Definitions.

44-551

For purposes of this subchapter, the term:

(1A)

“Contract worker” means a compensated contractor for whom it is foreseeable he or she will come in direct contact with patients.

(1B)

“Criminal background check” means an investigation into a person’s criminal history to determine whether, within the 7 years preceding the background check, the person has been convicted in the District of Columbia, or in any other state or territory of the United States where such person has worked or resided, of any of the offenses enumerated in or their equivalent in another state or territory.

(1C)

“Facility” means any entity required to be licensed pursuant to or and any entity furnishing Medicaid services under a provider agreement with the District of Columbia in accordance with regulations promulgated under title XIX of the Social Security Act, approved July 30, 1965 (Pub. L. 89-97; 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.).

(2)

Repealed.

(3)

“Medicaid services” means nursing facility services, home health-care services, inpatient hospital services and nursing facilities for individuals 65 years of age or older in an institution for mental disease, mental health rehabilitation services in an intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual disabilities home and community care for elderly individuals with functional disabilities, and community supported living arrangement services as defined in title XIX of the Social Security Act, approved July 30, 1965 (Pub. L. 89-97; 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.).

(4)

“Nurse Aide Abuse Registry” means a record, maintained by the District of Columbia in accordance with section 4211 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, approved December 22, 1987 (101 Stat. 1330-182; 42 U.S.C. § 1396r), and 29 DCMR , containing names of individuals who worked as nurse aides and were determined to have abused or neglected, or misappropriated the property of, a nursing home resident.

(5)

“Person” means an individual.

(6)

“Private agency” means an entity or person that offers customer assistance in the use of criminal background checks for employment purposes.

(7)

“Unlicensed person” means a person not licensed pursuant to , who functions in a complementary or assistance role to licensed health care professionals in providing direct patient care or in performing common nursing tasks. The term “unlicensed person” includes nurse aides, orderlies, assistant technicians, attendants, home health aides, personal care aides, medication aides, geriatric aides, or other health aides. The term “unlicensed person” also includes housekeeping, maintenance, and administrative staff for whom it is foreseeable that the prospective employee or contract worker will come in direct contact with patients.

Annotations

Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 44-551

What does D.C. Code § 44-551 cover?

Section 44-551 ("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 § 44-551?

A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 44-551" (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 § 44-551 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.