---
kind: "section"
citation: "45 C.F.R. § 1617.2"
title: "45"
number: "1617.2"
heading: "Definitions."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/45/1617.2"
---

# §1617.2. Definitions.

- (a) Class action means a lawsuit filed as, or otherwise declared by the court having jurisdiction over the case to be, a class action pursuant to [Rule 23](/cfr/45/23.md) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or the comparable State statute or rule of civil procedure applicable in the court in which the action is filed.
- (b)
  - (1) Initiating or participating in any class action means any involvement at any stage of a class action prior to or after an order granting relief. “Involvement” includes acting as amicus curiae, co-counsel or otherwise providing representation relating to a class action.
  - (2) **Initiating or participating in any class action—** does not include representation of an individual client seeking to withdraw from or opt out of a class or obtain the benefit of relief ordered by the court, or non-adversarial activities, including efforts to remain informed about, or to explain, clarify, educate or advise others about the terms of an order granting relief.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 29 U.S.C. 2996e(d)(5); 110 Stat. 3009 (1996); 110 Stat. 1321 (1996).

### Source

Source: 61 FR 63755, Dec. 2, 1996, unless otherwise noted.