The DDS Definitions Appendix defines the terms and acronyms relevant to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) service delivery system.
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Permanent Limited Guardian for Healthcare Decisions
An individual who is appointed by a court order to make medical decisions based on substituted judgment as a guardian for someone else pursuant to DC Official Code § 21-2047. The individual named as the permanent limited guardian may include but is not limited to the person's parents, siblings, next of kin, court-appointed advocate, court-appointed Probate attorney, or others.
Petition
A written legal request for some action or authorization by the court. In this context, a petition is used to request the appointment of a guardian or conservator.
Physical abuse
The intentional or reckless infliction of serious physical pain or injury. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Intentionally or willfully grabbing, shaking, dragging, shoving, yanking, slapping, hitting, kicking, choking, pinching, biting, strangling, punching, or otherwise wrongfully handling an individual.
- Physical contact that is not necessary for the safety of the individual and causes discomfort to the individual.
- The handling of an individual with more force than is reasonably necessary.
Physical Injury
Any harm to an individual that requires treatment or medical care greater than routine first aid, but does not result in a medical emergency, such as:
- Ingestion of a nonfood substance that may threaten the individual's heath, unless it is addressed in the individual's behavior support plan
- First or second-degree burn
- Sprain
- Allergic reaction
- Bruise
- Human or animal bite
- Sunburn
- Abrasion
- Loss of fingernail/toenail due to trauma
- Loss of teeth due to trauma, and
- Puncture wound).
Physical Restraint
Use of physical force applied using the hands or another part of the body to restrict the person’s movement and is for the primary purpose of either preventing or controlling a behavior. Physical Restraint does not include brief physical holding to enable the safe and effective implantation of a medical procedure or in the treatment of either a physical illness or condition.
Physician or Pharmacy Error
[needs definition]
Plan of Care (POC)
A written document that specifies the services or support required by the individual, the quantity and frequency of the services required and the cost for providing these services and supports. The Plan of Care must detail all Waiver Medicaid State Plan, other health care, generic social services and natural supports outlined as needed in the ISP.
Plan of Correction (POC)
The document prepared by the responsible provider and/or DDA to address any individual or systemic deficiencies identified by the death investigation that are accepted by the MRC, or additional recommendations made independently by the MRC.
Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
Positive behavior support is an approach to addressing challenging behavior that focuses on changing the physical and interpersonal environment and a person's skill deficits so that the individual is able to get his/her needs met without having to resort to challenging behavior. Positive behavior supports are approaches and techniques based on insight into that which is motivating an individual's difficult behavior, which focus on reducing the likelihood that problem behaviors will occur by changing situations and events that trigger behaviors.
PBS approaches also work to improve the overall quality of individual's lives. Positive behavior support is based on respect, dignity, and personal choice. It helps develop effective ways of meeting an individual's needs to reduce challenging behaviors. Different individuals will require different positive supports. Common types of support are:
- Assisting a person to live in a home which is safe, attractive, and in a location that is readily accessible to the community, activities, friends, and relatives and:
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Providing a person with opportunities and assistance to:
- Learn how to make choices and exercise personal power.
- Manage daily activities, pursue personal goals, and access good health care.
- Form and maintain significant friendships and relationships.
- Participate in a broad range of activities that the person enjoys and which promote positive recognition by self and others. This includes work, leisure, socialization and personal interests.
Pre-need Funeral Plan
A contract purchased by the consumer for services to be provided at his or her death casket, embalming, transportation, etc.). MRDDA recommends this action as a method of resource reduction to protect benefits eligibility.
Preponderance of the Evidence
[needs definition]
Prior Authorization
A written document that approves the payment and provision of a service.
PRN
"As needed" (pro re nata). PRN refers to a standing order for a medication or procedure, specifying the circumstances for which they would be used. The prescription and/or administration or psychotropic medication to ari The individual receiving DDA.
Proactive Strategies
Specific interventions, such as staff actions or environmental modifications, that prevent the occurrence of target behaviors.
Protective Equipment
Refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury.
Protective Service Plan (PSP)
A plan developed at the completion of the investigation or monitoring process to address recommendations contained in, or added to, an investigation report. The plan is developed by the service coordinator and contains provisions to protect the safety and well being of the individual. The written plan is completed and forwarded to IMEU within 15 business days of the request (request by whom?), is updated every six months, and can only be terminated by IMEU upon written request by Service Coordinator.
Provider
Refers to the individual, agency or other legal entity with day-to-day responsibility for the operation or delivery of services or supports or facilities regulated by DDS by law or contract as outlined in the individual's ISP. Also, any entity that meets the HCBSW requirements has signed an agreement with the Department on Health Care Finance to provide services and is enrolled by DHCF and DDS to provide HCBSW services.
Provider Human Rights Committee
A Committee established by a provider agency to review allegations of rights violations, serious reportable incident investigations, behavioral plans, etc., for receiving services to ensure that the human rights of individuals in their care are protected.
Provider / Vendor
Is a private entity that completed the provider enrollment and Human Care Agreement process and is certified and approved by all applicable District Government agencies to provide services and supports to people with intellectual disabilities.
Provider / Vendor Agency
A private entity that provides services or supports to individuals of MRDDA.
Psychiatrist
An individual who is licensed pursuant to section 501 of the District of Columbia Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985, effective March 25, 1986 (D.C. Law 6-99; § 3-1205.01).
Psychological/Verbal Abuse
The use of verbal or nonverbal expression or other action in the presence of an individual that subjects the individual to ridicule, humiliation, contempt, scorn, harassment, threats of punishment, dehumanization, or wrongful manipulation, or is otherwise denigrating or socially stigmatizing. Actions which may include, but are not limited to: name calling, cursing at an individual, intimidating, condescending, or threatening gestures or behaviors toward an individual, the use of a loud, stem, or demeaning tone of voice in the presence of, or toward an individual.
Psychologist
An individual who is licensed pursuant to section 501 of the District of Columbia Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985, effective March 25, 1986 (D.C. Law 6-99; § 3-1205.01).
Psychotropic Medications
Medication prescribed specifically to stabilize or improve mood, mental status, or behavior. Common psychotropic medication include neuroleptics or anti-psychotic (including major tranquilizers); anxiolytics (including minor tranquilizers, sedatives and hypnotics); stimulants, mood stabilizers; and anti-depressants. Anticonvulsants and other classes of drugs are included in this category when they are prescribed for behavioral purposes.