Washington § 18.79.020 - Definitions. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 18.79.020 — Definitions. (Effective until June 30, 2027.), with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18.79.020. Definitions. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)

Unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context, the definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Advanced registered nurse practitioner" means a person who is licensed to practice advanced registered nursing under this chapter.

(2) "Board" means the Washington state board of nursing.

(3) "Certified clinical nurse specialist" means an advanced registered nurse practitioner who has obtained specialty certification in the certified clinical nurse specialist designation through a board-approved certifying body.

(4) "Certified nurse midwife" means an advanced registered nurse practitioner who has obtained specialty certification in the certified nurse midwife designation through a board-approved certifying body.

(5) "Certified nurse practitioner" means an advanced registered nurse practitioner who has obtained specialty certification in the certified nurse practitioner designation through a board-approved certifying body.

(6) "Certified registered nurse anesthetist" means an advanced registered nurse practitioner who has obtained specialty certification in the certified registered nurse anesthetist designation through a board-approved certifying body.

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

(8) "Diagnosis," in the context of nursing practice, means the identification of, and discrimination between, the person's physical and psychosocial signs and symptoms that are essential to effective execution and management of the nursing care regimen.

(9) "Diploma" means written official verification of completion of an approved nursing education program.

(10) "Nurse" or "nursing," unless otherwise specified as a practical nurse or practical nursing, means a registered nurse or registered nursing.

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

[ 2026 c 139 s 1; 2023 c 123 s 17; 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 402.]

Notes

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

Expiration date—2026 c 139 ss 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11: "Sections 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 of this act expire June 30, 2027." [ 2026 c 139 s 14.]

Short title—2023 c 123: See RCW 18.80.900.

RCW 18.79.020

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 18.79.020

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Section 18.79.020 ("Definitions. (Effective until June 30, 2027.)") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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Sources & Verification

Official text of § 18.79.020 at the Washington source

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