WAC 246-324-010   Definitions.  For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

     (1) "Abuse" means an act by any individual which injures, exploits or in any way jeopardizes a patient's health, welfare, or safety, including but not limited to:

     (a) Physically damaging or potentially damaging nonaccidental acts;

     (b) Emotionally damaging verbal behavior and harassment or other actions which may result in emotional or behavioral problems; and

     (c) Sexual use, exploitation and mistreatment through inappropriate touching, inappropriate remarks or encouraging participation in pornography or prostitution.

     (2) "Administrator" means the individual responsible for the day-to-day operation of the hospital.

     (3) "Advanced registered nurse practitioner" means a registered nurse authorized to practice specialized and advanced nursing according to the requirements in RCW 18.88.175.

     (4) "Alcoholism" means a chronic, progressive, potentially fatal disease characterized by tolerance and physical dependency, or pathological organic changes, or both, as consequences of alcohol ingestion.

     (a) "Chronic and progressive" means the physical, emotional and social changes that develop are cumulative and progress as alcohol ingestion continues;

     (b) "Tolerance" means physiological adaptation to the presence of a high concentration of alcohol; and

     (c) "Physical dependency" means withdrawal symptoms occur from decreasing or ceasing ingestion of alcohol.

     (5) "Authenticate" means to authorize or validate an entry in a record by:

     (a) A signature including first initial, last name, and professional title/discipline; or

     (b) A unique identifier which clearly indicates the responsible individual.

     (6) "Bathing fixture" means a bathtub, shower, or combination bathtub shower.

     (7) "Bathroom" means a room containing one or more bathing fixtures.

     (8) "Chemical dependency counselor" means an individual who:

     (a) Is licensed, certified, or registered as a counselor under chapter 18.19 RCW or possesses a written statement of exemption from this requirement from the department; and

     (b) Meets the minimum qualifications in WAC 275-19-145.

     (9) "Clinical record" means a file maintained by the licensee for each patient containing all pertinent medical and clinical information.

     (10) "Comprehensive treatment plan" means a written plan of care developed by a multidisciplinary treatment team for an individual patient, based on an assessment of the patient's developmental, biological, emotional, psychological, and social strengths and needs, which includes:

     (a) Treatment goals with specific time frames;

     (b) Specific services to be provided;

     (c) The name of each individual responsible for each service provided; and

     (d) Discharge criteria with estimated time frames.

     (11) "Construction" means:

     (a) A new building to be used as a hospital or part of a hospital;

     (b) An addition, modification or alteration which changes the approved use of a room or area; and

     (c) An existing building or portion thereof to be converted for use as a hospital.

     (12) "Department" means the Washington state department of health.

     (13) "Detoxification" means the process of ridding the body of the transitory effects of intoxication and any associated physiological withdrawal reaction.

     (14) "Dietitian" means an individual certified under chapter 18.138 RCW.

     (15) "Document" means to record, with authentication, date and time.

     (16) "Family" means an individual or individuals:

     (a) Designated by the patient, who may or may not be related to the patient; or

     (b) Legally appointed to represent the patient.

     (17) "Drug administration" means the act of an authorized individual giving a single dose of prescribed drug or biological to a patient according to the laws and regulations governing such acts.

     (18) "Drug dispensing" means interpreting a prescription and, pursuant to that prescription, selecting, measuring, labeling, packaging, and issuing the prescribed medication to a patient or service unit of the facility.

     (19) "Exemption" means a written authorization from the department which releases a licensee from meeting a specific requirement or requirements in this chapter.

     (20) "Governing body" means the person legally responsible for the operation and maintenance of the hospital.

     (21) "Intoxication" means acute poisoning or temporary impairment of mental or physical functioning caused by alcohol or associated substance use.

     (22) "Health care professional" means an individual who practices health or health-related services within the individual's authorized scope of practice, who is licensed, certified or registered under Title 18 RCW;

     (23) "Licensed bed capacity" means the patient occupancy level requested by the applicant or licensee and approved by the department.

     (24) "Licensee" means the person to whom the department issues the hospital license.

     (25) "Maximum security window" means a security window which, if operable, opens only with a key or special tool.

     (26) "Multidisciplinary treatment team" means a group of individuals from various clinical services who assess, plan, implement and evaluate treatment for patients under care.

     (27) "Neglect" means conduct which results in deprivation of care necessary to maintain a patient's minimum physical and mental health, including but not limited to:

     (a) Physical and material deprivation;

     (b) Lack of medical care;

     (c) Inadequate food, clothing or cleanliness;

     (d) Refusal to acknowledge, hear or consider a patient's concerns;

     (e) Lack of social interaction and physical activity;

     (f) Lack of personal care; and

     (g) Lack of supervision appropriate for the patient's level of functioning.

     (28) "Patient-care staff" means permanent employees, temporary employees, volunteers, or contractors, who provide direct care services for patients.

     (29) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association, and the legal successor thereof.

     (30) "Pharmacist" means an individual licensed as a pharmacist under chapter 18.64 RCW.

     (31) "Pharmacy" means the central area in a hospital where prescriptions are filled, or drugs are stored and issued to hospital departments.

     (32) "Physician" means an individual licensed under chapter 18.71 or 18.57 RCW.

     (33) "Physician assistant" means an individual licensed under chapter 18.71A or 18.57A RCW.

     (34) "Private alcoholism hospital" or "hospital" means a privately owned and operated establishment or institution which:

     (a) Provides accommodations and services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more for two or more individuals who are not related to the licensee; and

     (b) Is expressly for diagnosing, treating and caring for individuals with signs or symptoms of alcoholism and the complications of associated substance use, and other medical diseases appropriately treated and cared for in the facility.

     (35) "Professional staff" means health care professionals appointed by the governing body to practice within the parameters of the professional staff bylaws.

     (36) "Referred outpatient diagnostic service" means a diagnostic test or examination performed outside the hospital which:

     (a) Is ordered by a member of the professional staff legally permitted to order such tests and examinations, to whom the findings and results are reported; and

     (b) Does not involve a parenteral injection, local or general anesthesia, or a surgical procedure.

     (37) "Registered nurse" means an individual licensed under chapter 18.88 RCW.

     (38) "Security room" means a patient sleeping room designed, furnished and equipped to provide maximum safety and security.

     (39) "Security window" means a window designed to inhibit exit, entry and injury to a patient, with safety glazing or other security feature to prevent breakage.

     (40) "Self-administration" means the act of a patient taking the patient's own medication from a properly labeled container while on hospital premises, with the hospital responsible for appropriate medication use.

     (41) "Sink" means a properly trapped plumbing fixture, with hot and cold water under pressure, which prevents back passage or return of air.

     (42) "Special services" means clinical and rehabilitative activities or programs including, but not limited to:

     (a) Educational and vocational training;

     (b) Dentistry;

     (c) Speech therapy;

     (d) Physical therapy;

     (e) Occupational therapy;

     (f) Language translation; and

     (g) Training for individuals with hearing and visual impairment.

     (43) "Staff" means permanent employees, temporary employees, volunteers, and contractors.

     (44) "Toilet" means a fixture fitted with a seat and flushing device used to dispose of bodily waste.

     (45) "Useable floor space" means the total floor surface area excluding area used for closets, wardrobes and fixed equipment.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 71.12 RCW and RCW 43.60.040. 95-22-013, § 246-324-010, filed 10/20/95, effective 11/20/95.]