As used in this article, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1985, c. 801, §§ 5, 7 (NEW).]
1. Designated beneficiary. "Designated beneficiary" means the beneficiary designated under section 17952.
2. Qualifying member. "Qualifying member" means a member in service or a former member who is receiving a disability retirement benefit. Beginning July 1, 1993, for purposes of section 17953, subsection 1, "qualifying member" also means a member not in service. For purposes of section 17953, subsection 5‑B, "qualifying member" also means a member not in service who has qualified for a service retirement benefit.