District Of Columbia § 7-1901 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 7-1901 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7-1901. Definitions.
7-1901When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed by this section:
“Abuse” means:
The intentional or reckless infliction of serious physical pain or injury;
The use or threatened use of violence to force participation in “sexual conduct,” defined in ;
The repeated, intentional imposition of unreasonable confinement or threats to impose unreasonable confinement, resulting in severe mental distress;
The repeated use of threats or violence, resulting in shock or an intense, expressed fear for one’s life or of serious physical injury; or
The intentional or deliberately indifferent deprivation of essential food, shelter, or health care in violation of a caregiver’s responsibilities, when that deprivation constitutes a serious threat to one’s life or physical health.
An adult shall not be considered abused under this chapter for the sole reason that he or she seeks, or his or her caregiver provides or permits to be provided, with the express consent or in accordance with the practice of the adult, treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with a religious method of healing, in lieu of medical treatment.
“Adult” means an individual 18 years of age or older.
“Adult in need of protective services” means an individual 18 years of age or older who:
Is highly vulnerable to abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation because of a physical or mental impairment, self-neglect, or incapacity;
Has recently been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited by another or meets the criteria for self-neglect; and
Has no one willing and able to provide adequate protection.
An adult shall not be considered in need of protective services under this chapter for the sole reason that he or she seeks, or his or her caregiver provides or permits to be provided, with the express consent or in accordance with the practice of the adult, treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with a religious method of healing, in lieu of medical treatment.
“Adult protective services worker” (APS worker) means an employee of the District or a private social services agency under contract with the District who conducts investigations or provides protective services under this chapter.
“Caregiver” means a person that, by law, contract, court order, or voluntary action, is charged with or has assumed the responsibility for an adult’s essential food, shelter, or health-care needs.
“Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
“Department” means the District of Columbia Department of Human Services.
“District” means the District of Columbia.
“Exploitation” means the unlawful appropriation or use of another’s “property,” defined in , for one’s own benefit or that of a 3rd person.
“Incapacity” means the state of being an incapacitated individual as defined by .
“Neglect” means:
The repeated, careless infliction of serious physical pain or injury;
The repeated failure of a caregiver to take reasonable steps, within the purview of his or her responsibilities, to protect against acts of abuse described in paragraph (1)(B) of this section;
The repeated, careless imposition of unreasonable confinement, resulting in severe mental distress; or
The careless deprivation of essential food, shelter, or health care in violation of a caregiver’s responsibilities, when that deprivation constitutes a serious threat to one’s life or physical health.
An adult shall not be considered neglected under this chapter for the sole reason that he or she seeks, or his or her caregiver provides or permits to be provided, with the express consent or in accordance with the practice of the adult, treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with a religious method of healing, in lieu of medical treatment.
“Person” means an individual, facility, agency, corporation, partnership, the District government, or any other organizational entity.
“Police” means the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.
“Protective services” means those services or provisions reasonably calculated to remedy or substantially reduce the likelihood of abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another, or self-neglect, including, but not limited to: Food, heat, shelter, clothing, health care, home care, counseling, legal assistance, and social casework.
“Self-neglect” means the failure of an adult, due to physical or mental impairments or incapacity, to perform essential self-care tasks, including:
Providing essential food, clothing, shelter, or medical care;
Obtaining goods or services necessary to maintain physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, and general safety; or
Managing his or her financial affairs.
An adult shall not be considered to be committing self-neglect under this chapter for the sole reason that he or she seeks treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with a religious method of healing, in lieu of medical treatment.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 7-1901
What does D.C. Code § 7-1901 cover?
Section 7-1901 ("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 § 7-1901?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 7-1901" (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 § 7-1901 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.