Unless the context requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

     (1) "Court" means the superior court of the state of Washington.

     (2) "Law enforcement agency" means the police department, the director of public safety, or the office of the sheriff.

     (3) "Practitioner of the healing arts" or "practitioner" means a person licensed by this state to practice podiatric medicine and surgery, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, chiropractic, nursing, dentistry, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or medicine and surgery. The term "practitioner" includes a nurse's aide and a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner.

     (4) "Department" means the state department of social and health services.

     (5) "Social worker" means anyone engaged in a professional capacity during the regular course of employment in encouraging or promoting the health, welfare, support, or education of patients, or providing social services to patients, whether in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

     (6) "Psychologist" means any person licensed to practice psychology under chapter 18.83 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

     (7) "Pharmacist" means any registered pharmacist under chapter 18.64 RCW, whether acting in an individual capacity or as an employee or agent of any public or private organization or institution.

     (8) "Abuse or neglect" or "patient abuse or neglect" means the nonaccidental physical injury or condition, sexual abuse, or negligent treatment of a state hospital patient under circumstances which indicate that the patient's health, welfare, or safety is harmed thereby.

     (9) "Negligent treatment" means an act or omission which evinces a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the patient's health, welfare, or safety.

     (10) "State hospital" means any hospital operated and maintained by the state for the care of the mentally ill under chapter 72.23 RCW.

[1999 c 176 § 21; 1997 c 392 § 519; 1996 c 178 § 24; 1981 c 174 § 2; 1979 ex.s. c 228 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Purpose -- Severability -- Conflict with federal requirements -- 1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.

     Short title -- Findings -- Construction -- Conflict with federal requirements -- Part headings and captions not law -- 1997 c 392: See notes following RCW 74.39A.009.

     Effective date -- 1996 c 178: See note following RCW 18.35.110.