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

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

     (2) "Health care practitioner" means:

     (a) A physician licensed under chapter 18.71 RCW;

     (b) An osteopathic physician or surgeon licensed under chapter 18.57 RCW; or

     (c) Acting within the scope of their respective licensure, a podiatric physician and surgeon licensed under chapter 18.22 RCW, an advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW, a naturopath licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW, a physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.71A RCW, or an osteopathic physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.57A RCW.

     (3) "Respiratory care practitioner" means an individual licensed under this chapter.

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

[2011 c 235 § 1; 1997 c 334 § 3; 1994 sp.s. c 9 § 511; 1991 c 3 § 227; 1987 c 415 § 2.]

NOTES:

     Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).

     Effective dates -- 1997 c 334: See note following RCW 18.89.010.

     Severability -- Headings and captions not law -- Effective date -- 1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.