District of Columbia Adult Day Services Requirements

Adult Day Health Programs that serve Medicaid participants in the District follow 29 DCMR §9704. Providers keep a staffing and personnel training plan. Acuity 1 staffing is 1 DSP for 10 participants, and acuity 2 is 1 DSP for 4 participants. Only DSPs count toward the ratio; volunteers do not. New staff receive orientation, and in-service or continuing education is at least quarterly, covering infection control, the plan of care, abuse, neglect and exploitation reporting, body mechanics, emergency evacuation, and older-adult needs including Alzheimer's and dementia. Direct support professionals keep CPR and first aid current, with CPR recertified annually, complete 3 hours of continuing education each quarter, and are trained on the participant's plan of care before assisting. The rule also requires a reference check, a criminal background check, a high school diploma or GED, and age 18 or older.