These definitions apply to these terms as they are used in these procedures.

Catastrophic Event

A catastrophic event is defined under the plan as an extreme medical misfortune of the staff member or a family member that will require the prolonged absence of the staff member from duty and will result in substantial loss of income to the staff member because the individual will have exhausted all paid leave available apart from the voluntary donation plan.

Dependent

An individual meeting the criteria used by the Internal Revenue Service in defining "dependent" will be considered a dependent for purposes of this policy. 

Child

A biological, adopted or foster child; a step-child, legal ward, or a child for whom a person is standing in loco parentis (in place of a parent); who is under 19 years of age or a full-time, unmarried student to age 24, or who is over 19, but incapable of self-care because of a permanent and total disability.

Spouse

A husband or wife as defined by North Carolina State law.

Registered Same Sex Spousal Equivalent

Two individuals of the same sex who live together and are registered with the Duke Benefits Office as being same sex spousal equivalents.