D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 7-214
The provisions of this section set forth the policies and procedures which apply to the administration and enforcement of the coverage provisions of the Act.
Under § 35 of the Act [§ 36 -334, D.C. Code, 1981 ed.], all employers subject to the Act shall secure the payment of compensation for their employees.
The Office shall prescribe standardized forms to be utilized by employers and insurers.
Employers and insurers shall provide the Department with all information required to determine the availability of and the adequacy of insurance coverage.
Employers shall exercise their responsibility to secure the payment of compensation for their employees by maintaining insurance coverage; Provided, that an employer may apply for authorization to be a self-insurer as set forth in § 217 of this Chapter.
The duty to maintain insurance coverage shall continue until such time as an employer actually qualifies as a self-insurer.
New employers shall obtain coverage prior to hiring any employee.
After an employer has made a bona fide application for coverage which has been accepted on behalf of a carrier, carriers shall share in coverage responsibility.
A bona fide application for coverage may be verbal or written.
Carrier responsibility for coverage shall extend until coverage is actually provided the employer.
Notice of coverage provided an employer shall be given to the Office by insurers.
Notice of termination shall be given to the Office by insurers.
Upon receipt of a valid termination notice from a carrier, the employer has the responsibility to apply for and obtain new coverage.
Agencies or carriers who refuse to provide coverage on a voluntary basis shall advise the employer concerning the availability of coverage under the existing Workers' Compensation Insurance Plan of the National Council on Compensation Insurance and provide the application form to the employer.
The Council shall provide the Office with the following information:
The Office shall assess a penalty of not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000 for failure to maintain the insurance required by the Act.
D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 7-214