1899.1 The following terms shall have the meanings ascribed below:

Act - Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, approved October 8, 1986 (20 U.S.C. §1471 et seq.).

Complainant - A parent, legal guardian, person acting on behalf of a parent of a child, or surrogate parent acting on behalf of a child, who has applied for or receives early intervention services and whose eligibility for the services is being determined. The term shall not include the District of Columbia ('District') government, if the child is a ward of the District government.

Department - The Department of Human Services.

Determination - A decision made or an action taken by a representative of the Department.

Early Intervention Services - Services that are required to be provided pursuant to the Act to meet the developmental needs of each eligible child and the needs of the family related to enhancing the child's development in accordance with the child's individualized family service plan and the District of Columbia approved application for early intervention grant funds.

Hearing Officer - A person in the D.C. Public Schools Hearing Office who is authorized to conduct hearings and render final decisions.

Party - Any person authorized to participate in a hearing conducted pursuant to these rules. A complainant and any affected person shall be entitled to be parties. The Department shall be deemed to be a party.

Proceeding - Any formal action before a hearing officer.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 44 DCR 481, 486 (January 24, 1997).