Nursing Home and Elder Neglect and Abuse – Definitions

Washington DC Abuse Terms and Relevant Statutes

District of Columbia – § 22–932 Code of the District of Columbia defines “elderly” as a person who is 65 years of age. Vulnerable adult is defined as a person who is 18 years of age or older and has one or more physical or mental limitations that substantially impair the person’s ability to independently provide for his or her daily needs or safeguard his or her person, property, or legal interests. Code § 22–933 defines criminal abuse as person who is guilty of criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult or elderly person if that person intentionally or knowingly:

(1) Inflicts or threatens to inflict physical pain or injury by hitting, slapping, kicking, pinching, biting, pulling hair or other corporal means;

(2) Uses repeated or malicious oral or written statements that would be considered by a reasonable person to be harassing or threatening; or

(3) Imposes unreasonable confinement or involuntary seclusion, including but not limited to, the forced separation from other persons against his or her will or the directions of any legal representative.

To report abuse in the District of Columbia contact DC Adult Protective Services at (202) 541-3950.

To file a complaint against a healthcare provider, click here.

E: Contacting the Ombudsman