The definitions in this section
apply throughout this chapter, unless the context clearly
requires otherwise.
(1) "Court" means the superior court of the state of
Washington.
(2) "Department" means the department of social and health
services.
(3) "Employee" means an employee as defined in RCW 49.17.020.
(4) "Licensed physician" means an individual permitted to
practice as a physician under the laws of the state, or a medical
officer, similarly qualified, of the government of the United
States while in this state in performance of his or her official
duties.
(5) "Mentally ill person" means any person who, pursuant to the
definitions contained in RCW 71.05.020, as a result of a mental
disorder presents a likelihood of serious harm to others or
himself or herself or is gravely disabled.
(6) "Patient" means a person under observation, care, or
treatment in a state hospital, or a person found mentally ill by the court, and not discharged from a state
hospital, or other facility, to which such person had been
ordered hospitalized.
(7) "Resident" means a resident of the state of Washington.
(8) "Secretary" means the secretary of social and health
services.
(9) "State hospital" means any hospital, including a child
study and treatment center, operated and maintained by the state
of Washington for the care of the mentally ill.
(10) "Superintendent" means the superintendent of a state
hospital.
(11) "Violence" or "violent act" means any physical assault
or attempted physical assault against an employee or patient of a
state hospital.
Wherever used in this chapter, the masculine shall include
the feminine and the singular shall include the plural.
[2000 c 22 § 2; 1981 c 136 § 99; 1974 ex.s. c 145 § 2; 1973 1st ex.s. c 142 § 3; 1959 c 28 § 72.23.010. Prior: 1951 c 139 § 2. Formerly RCW 71.02.010.]
NOTES:
Findings -- 2000 c 22: See note following RCW 72.23.400.
Effective date -- 1981 c 136: See RCW 72.09.900.
Severability -- Construction -- Effective date -- 1973 1st ex.s. c 142: See RCW 71.05.900 through 71.05.930.