WAC 246-25-010   Definitions.  Unless the context requires otherwise, the definitions contained in this section apply throughout this chapter.

     (1) "Attorney general" means the antitrust section of the office of the attorney general.

     (2) "Applicant" means a certified health plan, health care facility, health care provider, or other person involved in the development, delivery, or marketing of health services or certified health plans.

     (3) "Parties" means the natural persons, corporations, or associations involved in the plan or activity which is the subject of the proposal being reviewed.

     (4) "Petition" means the document that shall be filed with the commission pursuant to RCW 43.72.310(3) by an applicant in order to request approval of conduct that could tend to lessen competition in the relevant market.

     (5) "Proposal" means the plan or activity that is being reviewed.

     (6) "Request for informal opinion" means the document that may be filed with the commission pursuant to RCW 43.72.310(1) by an applicant.

     (7) "Exclusive dealing clause" means a clause in a contract between a certified health plan and a health care provider or facility by which the provider or facility agree not to provide services to another certified health plan.

     (8) "Health care network" means a group of providers or facilities controlled by the providers, facilities or intermediary organizations including, but not limited to, physician-hospital organizations and independent practice associations.

     (9) "Most favored nations clause" means terms in a contract between a certified health plan and a health care provider or facility by which the provider or facility agrees they will not charge other plans a lower price than the price charged the plan instituting the clause.

     (10) "Rural area" means a geographical area outside the boundaries of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) or an area within an MSA, but more than thirty minutes average travel time from an urban area of at least ten thousand population.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.72.310. 99-04-049, recodified as § 246-25-010, filed 1/28/99, effective 1/28/99; 95-04-115, § 245-02-010, filed 2/1/95, effective 10/1/95.]