Definitions.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter:(1) "*Advanced registered nurse practitioner" means an *advanced registered nurse practitioner licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW.(2) "Department" means the department of health.(3) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.(4) "Midwife" means a midwife licensed under this chapter.(5) "Naturopath" means a naturopath licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW.(6) "Physician" means a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW.(7) "Physician assistant" means a physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.71A RCW.[ 2022 c 289 s 1; 1991 c 3 s 102; 1987 c 467 s 1; 1981 c 53 s 2.]Notes:*Reviser's note: The term "advanced registered nurse practitioner" was changed to "advanced practice registered nurse" by 2024 c 239 s 1, effective June 30, 2027.Effective date—1981 c 53: "Sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13 through 17 of this act shall take effect January 15, 1982." [ 1981 c 53 s 19.] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter:(1) "Advanced practice registered nurse" means an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW.(2) "Department" means the department of health.(3) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.(4) "Midwife" means a midwife licensed under this chapter.(5) "Naturopath" means a naturopath licensed under chapter 18.36A RCW.(6) "Physician" means a physician licensed under chapter 18.57 or 18.71 RCW.(7) "Physician assistant" means a physician assistant licensed under chapter 18.71A RCW.[ 2025 c 58 s 5071; 2022 c 289 s 1; 1991 c 3 s 102; 1987 c 467 s 1; 1981 c 53 s 2.]Notes:Effective date—2025 c 58 ss 5058-5170: See note following RCW 7.68.030.Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.Effective date—1981 c 53: "Sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13 through 17 of this act shall take effect January 15, 1982." [ 1981 c 53 s 19.]