The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

1. (1) "Business" means a dental laboratory regulated under chapter 70.352 RCW, a pharmaceutical firm regulated under chapters 18.64, 18.64A, 69.38, 69.41, 69.43, 69.45, and 69.50 RCW, or a nursing pool regulated under chapter 18.52C RCW.
2. (2) "Credential" means a license, certification, or registration issued to a person to practice a regulated health care profession. Whether the credential is a license, certification or registration is determined by the law regulating the profession.
3. (3) "Declaration" means a statement signed by the practitioner on a form provided by the department for verifying continuing education or other requirements. When required, declarations must be completed and signed to be effective verification to the department.
4. (4) "Department" means the department of health.
5. (5) "Disciplinary suspension" means the regulatory entity places the credential in disciplinary suspension status when there is a finding of unprofessional conduct. Refer to the Uniform Disciplinary Act (RCW 18.130.160).
6. (6) "Local organization for emergency services or management" means the same as in RCW 38.52.010.
7. (7) "Mandated suspension" means the department places the credential in mandated suspension status when a law requires suspension of a credential under certain circumstances. This suspension is nondiscretionary for the department. Examples of mandated suspension are default on a student loan and failure to pay child support. The practitioner may not practice while on mandated suspension. The credential must be returned to active status before the practitioner may practice as provided in WAC 246-12-160 and 246-12-165.
8. (8) "Practitioner" means an individual health care provider listed under the Uniform Disciplinary Act in RCW 18.130.040.

9. (9) "Regulatory entity" means a board, commission, or the secretary of the department of health designated as the authority to regulate one or more professions or occupations in this state. Practitioner health care practice acts and the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) designate whether it is a board, commission, or the secretary of the department of health which has the authority to adopt rules, discipline health care providers, and determine requirements for initial licensure and continuing education requirements.

   The regulatory entity determines whether disciplinary action should be taken on a credential for unprofessional conduct. These actions may include revocation, suspension, practice limitations or conditions upon the practitioner.

10. (10) "Renewal" means renewal of the practitioner's credential. To determine the renewal cycle, refer to the individual laws and rules pertaining to the credential.
11. (11) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health or their designee.

12. (12) "Status" means all credentials are subject to the Uniform Disciplinary Act (UDA) regardless of status. A credential status may be in any one of the following:

    1. (a) "Active" status means the practitioner is authorized to practice the profession and renews the credential each renewal cycle according to WAC 246-12-020 through 246-12-051.
    2. (b) "Expired" status means the practitioner did not renew the credential on or before the expiration date. While in expired status, the practitioner is not authorized to practice. Practicing on an expired status is a violation of law and subject to disciplinary action. To return to active status the practitioner complies with WAC 246-12-020 through 246-12-051.
    3. (c) "Inactive" status means the practitioner is not practicing the profession. A practitioner may place the credential in inactive status if authorized by the regulatory entity as provided in WAC 246-12-090 through 246-12-110.
    4. (d) "Inactive military-related" status means a practitioner is a spouse or registered domestic partner of a member of the United States Armed Forces or the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the service member is deployed or stationed in a location outside of Washington state. A practitioner may place the credential in inactive military-related status as provided in WAC 246-12-500 through 246-12-560.
    5. (e) "Military" status means a practitioner is a member of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, or the Merchant Marine of the United States. A practitioner may place the credential in military status as provided in WAC 246-12-500 through 246-12-560.
    6. (f) "Retired active" status means the practitioner can practice only intermittently or in emergencies. A practitioner may place the credential in retired active status if authorized by the regulatory entity as provided in WAC 246-12-120 through 246-12-140.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.040, 18.130.050, 43.70.040, and 43.70.280. WSR 26-11-023, s 246-12-010, filed 5/14/26, effective 6/14/26. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.270(3). WSR 14-10-025, § 246-12-010, filed 4/28/14, effective 5/29/14. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.130.050 and 18.130.360. WSR 07-21-133, § 246-12-010, filed 10/23/07, effective 12/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.280. WSR 98-05-060, § 246-12-010, filed 2/13/98, effective 3/16/98.]