Source: https://code.dccouncil.us/dc/council/code/titles/7/chapters/19/
Timestamp: 2019-12-06 18:01:25
Document Index: 319057967

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 22', '§ 22', '§ 21', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 5032', '§\u20026', '§ 7', '§ 6', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§\u20026', '§ 7', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 103', '§ 207', '§ 2', '§\u20026', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§\u2002207', '§\u2002207', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 6', '§ 2', '§\u20026', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 8', '§ 2', '§\u20026', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 9', '§ 2', '§\u20026', '§\u20027', '§ 10', '§ 2', '§ 129', '§ 2', '§\u20026', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 11', '§ 2', '§\u20026', '§ 7', '§ 14', '§ 12', '§\u20026']

D.C. Law Library - Chapter 19. Adult Protective Services.
Chapter 19. Adult Protective Services.
§ 7–1901. Definitions.
§ 7–1902. Limitations on applicability. [Repealed]
§ 7–1908. Qualified immunity for person reporting alleged abuse.
§ 7–1909. Rules.
§ 7–1910. Payment or reimbursement for cost of protective services.
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed by this section:
(i) The intentional or reckless infliction of serious physical pain or injury;
(ii) The use or threatened use of violence to force participation in “sexual conduct,” defined in § 22-3101(5);
(iii) The repeated, intentional imposition of unreasonable confinement or threats to impose unreasonable confinement, resulting in severe mental distress;
(iv) 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
(v) 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.
(B) 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.
(1A) “Adult” means an individual 18 years of age or older.
(2)(A) “Adult in need of protective services” means an individual 18 years of age or older who:
(i) Is highly vulnerable to abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation because of a physical or mental impairment, self-neglect, or incapacity;
(ii) Has recently been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited by another or meets the criteria for self-neglect; and
(iii) Has no one willing and able to provide adequate protection.
(B) 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.
(3) “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.
(4) “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.
(6) “Department” means the District of Columbia Department of Aging and Community Living.
(8) “Exploitation” means the unlawful appropriation or use of another’s “property,” defined in § 22-3201, for one’s own benefit or that of a 3rd person.
(8A) “Incapacity” means the state of being an incapacitated individual as defined by § 21-2011(11).
(9)(A) “Neglect” means:
(i) The repeated, careless infliction of serious physical pain or injury;
(ii) 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;
(iii) The repeated, careless imposition of unreasonable confinement, resulting in severe mental distress; or
(iv) 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.
(B) 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.
(10) “Person” means an individual, facility, agency, corporation, partnership, the District government, or any other organizational entity.
(11) “Police” means the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.
(12) “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.
(13)(A) “Self-neglect” means the failure of an adult, due to physical or mental impairments or incapacity, to perform essential self-care tasks, including:
(i) Providing essential food, clothing, shelter, or medical care;
(ii) Obtaining goods or services necessary to maintain physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, and general safety; or
(iii) Managing his or her financial affairs.
(B) 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.
(Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-156, § 2, 32 DCR 13; Mar. 8, 2006, D.C. Law 16-67, § 2(a), 53 DCR 40; Sept. 11, 2019, D.C. Law 23-16, § 5032, 66 DCR 8621.)
1981 Ed., § 6-2501.
This section is referenced in § 7-1904.
D.C. Law 16-67, rewrote pars. (1), (2), and (9); added pars. (1A), (8A), (13); and, in par. (12), substituted “exploitation by another, or self-neglect,” for “exploitation by another,”.
Delayed application of Law 5-156: Section 15(b) of D.C. Law 5-156 provided that, except as provided in § 6-2503(e), the applicability of the act shall be delayed until October 1, 1985.
Delegation of authority pursuant to title XXIII (Section 2352(a)) of Public Law 97-35, the “Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, to Deliver Social Services Block Grant Funded Homemaker Services for Individuals and Families who are in Need of or Receiving Protective Services”, see Mayor’s Order 97-101, May 28, 1997 ( 44 DCR 3529).
Re-Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Title XXIII (Sec. 2352(a)) of Public Law 97-35, the “Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act,” as Amended, to Deliver Social Services Block Grant Funded Homemaker Services for Individuals and Families Who are in Need of or Receiving Protective Services, see Mayor’s Order 2001-95, June 28, 2001 ( 48 DCR 6276).
(Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-156, § 3, 32 DCR 13; Mar. 8, 2006, D.C. Law 16-67, § 2(b), 53 DCR 40.)
1981 Ed., § 6-2502.
(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, whenever a conservator, court-appointed mental retardation advocate, guardian, health-care administrator, licensed health professional, police officer, humane officer of any agency charged with the enforcement of animal cruelty laws, bank manager, financial manager, or social worker has as a result of his or her appointment, employment, or practice substantial cause to believe that an adult is in need of protective services because of abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another, he or she shall immediately report this belief in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(2) Any person may voluntarily report an alleged case of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation when he or she has reason to believe that an adult is in need of protective services. Voluntary reporting shall also be effected in accordance with subsection (c) of this section.
(b) The duty to report established by subsection (a)(1) of this section shall not apply to a social worker or licensed health professional who has as a client or patient, or is employed by a lawyer representing, a third person who is allegedly responsible for the abuse or neglect.
(c) A report made pursuant to this section may be either oral or written and shall be transmitted to the division within the Department designated by the Mayor to receive these reports. Each report shall include, if known: The name, age, physical description, and location of the adult alleged to be in need of protective services; the name and location of the person(s) allegedly responsible for the abuse, neglect, or exploitation; the nature and extent of the abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation; the basis of the reporter’s knowledge; and any other information the reporter believes might be helpful to an investigation. A reporter may be required to identify himself or herself only when obliged to report under subsection (a)(1) of this section.
(d)(1) The Department shall maintain a record of all reports received and be capable of receiving reports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including holidays). Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, the Department may release reports and investigative information acquired pursuant to this chapter only:
(A) To another public or private agency, only to the minimal extent required to conduct an investigation, provide services under this chapter, or petition the court for appointment of a guardian of the person or conservatorship of the estate of the person (or a limited guardianship or conservatorship) under Chapter 20 of Title 21;
(B) To the Attorney General for the District of Columbia or United States Attorney if requested for an investigation, prosecution, or civil or administrative enforcement action;
(B-i) To the Metropolitan Police Department;
(C) If directed by court order;
(D) For the purposes of and in accordance with Chapter 2B of this title [§ 7-241 et seq.]; or
(E) To a court-appointed representative of an adult in need of protective services or an adult in need of protective services or his or her legal representative, upon receipt of a verbal or written request for access to reports and investigative information, including health information; provided, that:
(i) The Department shall release reports and investigative information under this subparagraph only to the extent permitted by District or federal law or regulation; and
(ii) The Department shall not release under this subparagraph:
(I) The identity and other personal information of reporters, witnesses, and interviewees, other than interviewees who are District government employees;
(II) Other information which could reasonably be used to identify a reporter, witness, or interviewee, other than an interviewee who is a District government employee;
(III) Psychotherapy and personal notes; and
(IV) Information compiled in reasonable anticipation of, or for use in, a civil, criminal, or administrative action or proceeding.
(2) A recipient of a report or investigative information released pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be subject to the same restrictions on disclosure applicable to the Department under that paragraph.
(3) Any person possessing a report or investigative information acquired pursuant to this chapter shall take reasonable steps to prevent the disclosure of information that might reveal the reporter’s identity to the person(s) allegedly responsible for the abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
(4) The Department may release statistics and other data acquired pursuant to this chapter for research, reporting, or educational purposes provided all identifying references to individuals are deleted.
(d-1) The Department may provide outreach and training on the requirements of this section to members of the public and to appropriate governmental personnel, including law enforcement officers, social services personnel, judicial officers, guardians and conservators for incapacitated adults, and others as may be determined by the Mayor.
(e) The Mayor shall widely publicize the phone number and mailing address of the division within the Department designated to receive reports under this section, and may conduct educational programs for those persons required to report under subsection (a)(1) of this section.
(Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-156, § 4, 32 DCR 13; Mar. 8, 2006, D.C. Law 16-67, § 2(c), 53 DCR 40; Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 103, 55 DCR 9186; Dec. 4, 2010, D.C. Law 18-273, § 207, 57 DCR 7171; Feb. 18, 2017, D.C. Law 21-199, § 2(a), 63 DCR 15036.)
1981 Ed., § 6-2503.
This section is referenced in § 7-1908 and § 7-1912.
D.C. Law 16-67, in subsec. (a)(1), substituted “bank manager, financial manager, or social worker” for “or social worker” and “abuse, neglect, or exploitation” for “abuse or neglect”; in subsec. (a)(2), substituted “self-neglect, or exploitation” for “or exploitation”; in subsec. (b), substituted “a third person” for “the 3rd person”; in subsec. (c), substituted “the nature and extent of the abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation” for “the nature and extent of the abuse, neglect, or exploitation”; rewrote subsec. (d)(1)(A); in subsec. (d)(1)(B), substituted “Attorney General for the District of Columbia” for “Corporation Counsel”; added subsec. (d)(1)(B-1); in subsec. (d)(2), substituted “paragraph (1)” for “paragraph (1)(A) through (C)”; added subsec. (d-1); and rewrote subsec. (e).
D.C. Law 17-281, in subsec. (a)(1), substituted “police officer, humane officer of any agency charged with the enforcement of animal cruelty laws,” for “police officer,”.
D.C. Law 18-273, in subsec. (d)(1), deleted “or” from the end of subpar. (B-1), substituted “; or” for a period at the end of subpar. (C), and added subpar. (D).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 207 of Data-Sharing and Information Coordination Emergency Amendment Act of 2010 (D.C. Act 18-530, August 6, 2010, 57 DCR 8099).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 207 of Data-Sharing and Information Coordination Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2010 (D.C. Act 18-582, October 20, 2010, 57 DCR 10118).
(a)(1) The Department shall ensure that protective services are promptly provided if:
(A) After an APS worker conducts an investigation under § 7-1904, the Department determines that an adult is in need of protective services due to abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a third party;
(B) The adult in need of protective services, or a person authorized by law or court order to consent to the provision of protective services on behalf of the adult, affirmatively consents to the particular services offered;
(C) Reasonable access is not denied by a 3rd person; and
(D) The adult in need of protective services, if not indigent and exigent circumstances do not dictate otherwise, agrees to reimburse the District or make a reasonable contribution pursuant to the rules to be issued under § 7-1909(3).
(2) The Department’s legal obligation to ensure the provision of protective services shall, except as provided in § 7-1912(c)(1), not exceed 90 days of services for each adult found to be in need of protective services. This 90-day limitation shall begin with the 1st day of services, apply to only those days on which services are actually provided, and include any days on which services are provided under a protection order issued pursuant to § 7-1906 or § 7-1907. The Department’s decision to limit services in a particular case to fewer than 90 days, its determination as to the type or level of services provided, and allegations of noncompliance with this chapter are judicially reviewable only in accordance with § 7-1912(c)(1).
(a-1) Subject to the availability of resources, the Department may provide protective services if:
(1) After an APS worker conducts an investigation under § 7-1904, the Department determines that an adult is in need of protective services due to self-neglect;
(2) The adult in need of protective services, or a person authorized by law or court order to consent to the provision of protective services on behalf of the adult, affirmatively consents to the particular services offered;
(3) Reasonable access is not denied by a third person; and
(4) The adult in need of protective services, if not indigent and exigent circumstances do not dictate otherwise, agrees to reimburse the District or make reasonable contribution pursuant to the rules issued under § 7-1909.
(b) If an adult in need of protective services due to abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation objects to the provision of particular services and it does not manifestly appear to the APS worker that the adult is incapacitated or that the objection is prompted by fear or intimidation instilled by another, the adult shall be entitled to refuse those services and this right of refusal shall be fully respected.
(c) In any case under this section involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a third party that does not meet the requirements of subsection (a)(1) of this section, the Department or other agency designated by the Mayor may provide protective services only after the Attorney General obtains a protection order pursuant to § 7-1906 or § 7-1907.
(c-1) In any case under this section involving self-neglect, if an APS worker has good cause to believe that an adult is incapacitated, the APS worker, the Department, or the Attorney General may:
(1) Petition the court for appointment of a guardianship of the adult or a conservatorship of the estate of the adult (or a limited guardianship or conservatorship) under Chapter 20 of Title 21;
(2) Make referrals or provide information about the adult and the investigation to the appropriate public or private agencies, and monitor the results of any such referrals, as appropriate;
(3) Provide protective services to the extent possible under the circumstances; or
(4) Provide protective services when and if a person authorized by law or court order to consent to the provision of protective services on behalf of the adult, affirmatively consents to the particular services offered.
(d) In accordance with procedures to be established under § 7-1909(1), the Mayor shall ensure that, when appropriate, an APS worker is accompanied by a police officer while providing protective services.
(e) When determining the appropriateness of particular services, the Department or other designated agency shall first consider those protective services that encourage maximum self-determination and are least restrictive of personal liberty.
(f) No provision of subsections (a-1) or (c-1) of this section shall be construed to create an entitlement (either direct or implied) on the part of any individual or family to any services under this chapter for an adult who meets the criteria for self-neglect or who is determined to be at risk due to self-neglect.
(Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-156, § 6, 32 DCR 13; Mar. 8, 2006, D.C. Law 16-67, § 2(e), 53 DCR 40.)
1981 Ed., § 6-2505.
This section is referenced in § 7-1904, § 7-1906, § 7-1909, and § 7-1912.
D.C. Law 16-67, in subsec. (a)(1)(A), substituted “services due to abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a third party;” for “services;”; added subsecs. (a-1), (c-1), and (f); and rewrote subsecs. (b) and (c).
(a) If a petition filed in accordance with § 7-1906(a) is supported by affidavit and alleges the existence of an immediate, substantial risk of life-threatening harm to an adult who the Department has determined is in need of protective services, the court may, upon a finding of probable cause and in accordance with § 7-1906(e), grant any relief listed in § 7-1906(d) immediately and without a hearing by issuing an ex parte temporary protection order. The Attorney General shall ensure that, within 48 hours after the issuance of such an order, notice of the hearing date and copies of the petition, supporting affidavit(s), and order are served on the same parties and in the same manner described in § 7-1906(b).
(b) An ex parte temporary protection order shall remain effective for such period as the court may specify until a hearing is held and the petition for a provisional protection order granted or denied pursuant to § 7-1906. The court may modify or rescind an ex parte temporary protection order upon the motion of any person and for good cause shown.
(Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-156, § 8, 32 DCR 13; Mar. 8, 2006, D.C. Law 16-67, § 2(g), 53 DCR 40.)
1981 Ed., § 6-2507.
This section is referenced in § 7-1905 and § 7-1906.
D.C. Law 16-67, in subsec. (a), substituted “Attorney General” for “Corporation Counsel”.
Any person who reports an alleged case of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation pursuant to § 7-1903 shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for so reporting if he, she, or it has acted in good faith.
(Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-156, § 9, 32 DCR 13; Mar. 8, 2006, D.C. Law 16-67, § 2(h), 53 DCR 40.)
1981 Ed., § 6-2508.
D.C. Law 16-67 substituted “neglect, self-neglect,” for “neglect,”.
(a) The Mayor shall, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, issue rules deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. These rules shall at a minimum include procedures to ensure:
(1) The effective coordination of investigative efforts by the police and the Department and the availability of police assistance should it be required, pursuant to §§ 7-1904(a) and 7-1905(d);
(2) The effective coordination of interdepartmental resources and actions when a report made to the Department alleges that an individual, facility, or agency licensed by the District of Columbia is responsible for the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an impaired adult;
(3) That, unless exigent circumstances dictate otherwise, nonindigent adults in need of protective services and persons legally responsible for providing any or all of the services provided or contracted for by the District reimburse the District for, or make a reasonable contribution toward, the cost of providing those services;
(4) The effective coordination of interdepartmental resources and actions when the Department seeks records or documents in the possession of another agency, including exempting the Department from payment of any and all fees otherwise required to obtain a record if the request is made in the course of an investigation or of the provision of protective services by the Department, and ensuring that requests for records or documents by the Department are given high priority by other governmental agencies; and
(5) The effective coordination of interdepartmental resources and actions, providing for expedited access to governmental services on behalf of an adult in need of protective services, and ensuring that requests for such services are given high priority by other governmental agencies.
(b) Within 60 days of March 8, 2006, the Mayor shall issue rules necessary to implement the provisions of D.C. Law 16-67.
(c) The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue rules to implement the provisions of the Adult Protective Services Amendment Act of 2016, effective February 18, 2017 (D.C. Law 21-199).
(Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-156, § 10, 32 DCR 13; Mar. 8, 2006, D.C. Law 16-67, § 2(i), 53 DCR 40; Mar. 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-191, § 129, 53 DCR 6794; Feb. 18, 2017, D.C. Law 21-199, § 2(b), 63 DCR 15036.)
1981 Ed., § 6-2509.
This section is referenced in § 7-1904, § 7-1905, and § 7-1910.
D.C. Law 16-67, designated the existing text as subsec. (a); in the lead-in text of subsec. (a), deleted “no later than October 1, 1985,” following “Mayor shall,”; rewrote subsec. (a)(2); in subsec. (a)(3), substituted “services;” for “services.”; and added subsecs. (a)(4), (5), and (b). Prior to amendment, subsec. (a)(2) read as follows: “(2) The effective coordination of interdepartmental resources and actions when a report made to the Department alleges that an individual, facility, or agency licensed by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs is responsible for the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an impaired adult; and”.
D.C. Law 16-191, in subsec. (a), deleted “and” preceding “pursuant to”.
(a) In implementing § 7-1909(3), the Mayor may establish a sliding scale based on one’s ability to pay. No adult in need of protective services shall be denied those services because he or she is unable to pay for them or because a person (other than the adult) who is legally responsible for providing any or all of the services refuses to reimburse the District or contribute to their cost. The Attorney General may, either as part of a proceeding for a protection order or in an independent court action, seek an order directing the adult in need of protective services or person(s) legally responsible for those services to pay or reimburse the District for so much of the cost of providing protective services under this chapter as he or she is reasonably able to afford. The court, however, may not direct an adult in need of protective services to pay or reimburse the District for any of the cost of providing those services if the court orders the services over the continued objection of the adult after finding that the objection has been prompted by fear or intimidation instilled by another.
(b) The Attorney General may, either as part of a proceeding for a protection order or in an independent court action, seek an order directing the person(s) responsible for an adult’s abuse, neglect, or exploitation to pay or reimburse the District for all or part of the costs associated with conducting the investigation, appointing counsel, and providing protective services in that particular case. In so doing, the Attorney General shall have the burden of proving a person’s responsibility for abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a preponderance of the evidence. Testimony of the defendant(s), and the fruits of that testimony, shall be inadmissible as evidence in a subsequent criminal trial except in a prosecution for perjury or false statement.
(Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-156, § 11, 32 DCR 13; Mar. 8, 2006, D.C. Law 16-67, § 2(j), 53 DCR 40.)
1981 Ed., § 6-2510.
This section is referenced in § 7-1906.
D.C. Law 16-67, in subsecs. (a) and (b), substituted “Attorney General” for “Corporation Counsel”.
Any professional covered by the privilege established in § 14-307, who has or had as his or her client or patient the adult alleged or determined to be in need of protective services may be required, without the consent of that adult or his or her legal representative, to testify or otherwise disclose confidential information in any court proceeding held pursuant to this chapter if the judge determines that the privilege should be waived in the interest of justice.
(Mar. 14, 1985, D.C. Law 5-156, § 12, 32 DCR 13.)
1981 Ed., § 6-2511.