§7–401.

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

    (b)    “Attendant care services” means any of the following services for an eligible individual, which are certified as necessary by an attending physician or by a registered nurse:

        (1)    dressing;

        (2)    preparing food and assisting with eating;

        (3)    bathing and personal hygiene;

        (4)    assisting with routine bodily functions, including bowel and urinary care;

        (5)    moving into, out of, or turning in bed;

        (6)    laundering and other clothing care; and

        (7)    cleaning house and performing other services of daily care, including shopping and transportation, that the Department and the eligible individual request.

    (c)    “Department” means the Department of Disabilities.

    (d)    “Eligible individual” means an individual who:

        (1)    is at least 18 years old and under the age of 65 years at the time of the initial eligibility determination; and

        (2)    has a severe chronic or permanent physical disability that precludes or significantly impairs the individual’s independent performance of essential activities of daily living, self–care, or mobility.

    (e)    “Financial assistance” means a payment the Department makes to an eligible individual for attendant care services or ongoing additional supports.

    (f)    “Ongoing additional supports” means a continual support that:

        (1)    increases an eligible individual’s independent performance of an essential activity of daily living, self–care, or mobility; and

        (2)    is requested by an eligible individual and approved by the Department.

    (g)    “Program” means the Attendant Care Program.

    (h)    “Secretary” means the Secretary of Disabilities.