RCW 18.79.020: Definitions. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)

Unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context, the definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Advanced registered nurse practitioner" means a person who is licensed to practice advanced registered nursing under this chapter.

(2) "Board" means the Washington state board of nursing.

(3) "Certified clinical nurse specialist" means an advanced registered nurse practitioner who has obtained specialty certification in the certified clinical nurse specialist designation through a board-approved certifying body.

(4) "Certified nurse midwife" means an advanced registered nurse practitioner who has obtained specialty certification in the certified nurse midwife designation through a board-approved certifying body.

(5) "Certified nurse practitioner" means an advanced registered nurse practitioner who has obtained specialty certification in the certified nurse practitioner designation through a board-approved certifying body.

(6) "Certified registered nurse anesthetist" means an advanced registered nurse practitioner who has obtained specialty certification in the certified registered nurse anesthetist designation through a board-approved certifying body.

(7) "Department" means the department of health.

(8) "Diagnosis," in the context of nursing practice, means the identification of, and discrimination between, the person's physical and psychosocial signs and symptoms that are essential to effective execution and management of the nursing care regimen.

(9) "Diploma" means written official verification of completion of an approved nursing education program.

(10) "Nurse" or "nursing," unless otherwise specified as a practical nurse or practical nursing, means a registered nurse or registered nursing.

(11) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.