District Of Columbia § 21-1201 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 21-1201 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-1201. Definitions.
21-1201For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
“Administer” means:
The direct application of medication to the human body whether by ingestion, inhalation, insertion, or topical means; or
An injection of epipen or equivalent ejection system for emergency purposes only.
Repealed.
“Developmental disability” means a severe chronic disability of a person 5 years of age or older which:
Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments;
Is manifested before the person attains 22 years of age;
Is likely to continue indefinitely;
Results in substantial functional limitations in 3 or more of the following major life activities:
Self care;
Receptive and expressive language;
Learning;
Mobility;
Self-direction;
Capacity for independent living; and
Economic self-sufficiency; and
Reflects the person’s need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated; except that such term, when applied to infants and young children means individuals from birth to 5 years of age, inclusive, who have substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting developmental disability if services are not provided.
“General supervision” means:
A registered nurse shall be available for verbal or on-site consultation to the trained employee or licensed practical nurse.
A registered nurse shall review and document the trained employee’s ability to administer medication correctly to program participants every 3 months for the 1st year and every 6 months thereafter.
“Intellectual disability” means a substantial limitation in mental capacity that manifests before 18 years of age, characterized by significantly below-average intellectual functioning, existing concurrently with related limitations in 2 or more of the following applicable, adaptive skills:
Communication;
Self-care;
Home living;
Social;
Community use;
Self-direction;
Health;
Safety;
Functional academics;
Leisure; and
Work.
“Licensed practitioner” means a medical doctor, dentist, or advanced registered nurse.
“Medication” means a controlled (excluding Classes I and II) or noncontrolled substance or treatment regarded as effective in bringing about recovery, restoration of health, alleviation of pain or symptoms of an illness, or the normal functioning of the body.
Repealed.
“Monitor” means:
A registered nurse shall annually review the program participant’s ability to self-administer medication correctly as prescribed.
A registered nurse shall document in the program participant’s records an assessment of the program participant’s ability to continue self-administering the program participant’s medication.
A trained employee shall, at a minimum, review quarterly and document the program participant’s ability to self-administer medication as prescribed.
“Prescription” means an order for medication signed by a licensed practitioner or transmitted by the licensed practitioner to a pharmacist, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse by word of mouth, telephone, telegraph, or other means of communication, and recorded in writing by the pharmacist, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse.
“Program” means an agency licensed, certified, or approved by the District government as a child care facility, private school, day program, community based residence, or other agency providing residential services, education, habilitation, vocational, or employment training services to individuals with intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities.
“Program participant” means an individual with an intellectual disability or other development disability who is enrolled in or attending a public or private program.
“Self-administration of medication” means that the program participant has the ability to identify, pour, and administer medication without assistance.
“Trained employee” means an individual employed to work in a program who has successfully completed a training program approved by the Mayor and is certified to administer medication to program participants, or an individual who has successfully completed a training program in medication administration approved by the State of Maryland or the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Annotations
Section 35 of provided that no provision of the act shall impair any right or obligation existing under law.
Section 21(f)(1) of substituted “Intellectual Disabilities” for “Mental Retardation” in the chapter heading.
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 21-1201
What does D.C. Code § 21-1201 cover?
Section 21-1201 ("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 § 21-1201?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 21-1201" (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 § 21-1201 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
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