WAC 246-12-010   Definitions.  (1) "Business": A business is an adult family home provider owned by a corporation regulated under chapter 18.48 RCW; a pharmaceutical firm regulated under chapter 18.64 RCW; or a nursing pool regulated under chapter 18.52C RCW; or a health care assistant regulated under chapter 18.135 RCW.

     (2) "Credential": A credential is a license, certification, or registration issued to a person to practice a regulated health care profession. Whether the credential is a license, certification or registration is determined by the law regulating the profession.

     (3) "Declaration": A declaration is a statement signed by the practitioner on a form provided by the department of health for verifying continuing education, AIDS training, or other requirements. When required, declarations must be completed and signed to be effective verification to the department.

     (4) "Disciplinary suspension": The regulatory entity places the credential in disciplinary suspension status when there is a finding of unprofessional conduct. Refer to the Uniform Disciplinary Act (RCW 18.130.160).

     (5) "Local organization for emergency services or management": Has the same meaning as that found in RCW 38.52.010.

     (6) "Mandated suspension": The department of health places the credential in mandated suspension status when a law requires suspension of a credential under certain circumstances. This suspension is nondiscretionary for the department of health. Examples of mandated suspension are default on a student loan and failure to pay child support. The practitioner may not practice while on mandated suspension. The credential must be returned to active status before the practitioner may practice. See Part 6 of this chapter.

     (7) "Practitioner": A practitioner is an individual health care provider listed under the Uniform Disciplinary Act, RCW 18.130.040.

     (8) "Regulatory entities": A "regulatory entity" is a board, commission, or the secretary of the department of health designated as the authority to regulate one or more professions or occupations in this state. Practitioner health care practice acts and the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) designate whether it is a board, commission, or the secretary of the department of health which has the authority to adopt rules, discipline health care providers, and determine requirements for initial licensure and continuing education requirements.

     The regulatory entity determines whether disciplinary action should be taken on a credential for unprofessional conduct. These actions may include revocation, suspension, practice limitations or conditions upon the practitioner.

     (9) "Renewal": Every credential requires renewal. The renewal cycle is either one, two, or three years, depending on the profession.

     (10) "Secretary": The secretary is the secretary of the department of health or his or her designee.

     (11) "Status": All credentials are subject to the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) regardless of status. A credential status may be in any one of the following:

     (a) Most credentials are in "active" status. These practitioners are authorized to practice the profession. These practitioners need to renew the credential each renewal cycle. See Part 2 of this chapter.

     (b) The department of health places the credential in "expired" status if the credential is not renewed on time. While in expired status, the practitioner is not authorized to practice. Practice on an expired status is a violation of law and subject to disciplinary action. See Part 2 of this chapter.

     (c) A practitioner may place the credential in "inactive" status if authorized by the regulatory entity. This means the practitioner is not practicing the profession. See Part 4 of this chapter.

     (d) A practitioner may place the credential in "retired active" status if authorized by the regulatory entity. This means the practitioner can practice only intermittently or in emergencies. See Part 5 of this chapter.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.050 and 18.130.360. 07-21-133, § 246-12-010, filed 10/23/07, effective 12/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. 98-05-060, § 246-12-010, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98.]