### Question
How is the term direct patient access employee defined?


### Answer
The term **direct patient access employee** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 1320a* as the following:

> any individual who has access to a patient or resident of a long-term care facility or provider through employment or through a contract with such facility or provider and has duties that involve (or may involve) one-on-one contact with a patient or resident of the facility or provider, as determined by the State for purposes of the nationwide program

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 1320a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER XI-GENERAL PROVISIONS, PEER REVIEW, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SIMPLIFICATION > Part A-General Provisions**

