The definitions in this section apply throughout WAC 246-12-601 through 246-12-650 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

1. (1) "Department" means the Washington state department of health.
2. (2) "Health professional" means an individual licensed or holding a retired active license in one of the health professions listed in RCW 43.70.442 as required to take training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral, suicide treatment, and suicide management.
3. (3) "Model list" means the list of trainings that meet minimum standards established by the department of health pursuant to RCW 43.70.442.
4. (4) "Referral" means facilitating a client or patient's linkage to other resources.
5. (5) "Screening" means asking questions to identify a person at risk of suicide and to determine the need for further risk assessment or referral. Screening may be the first step of suicide risk assessment.
6. (6) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health or the secretary's designee.
7. (7) "Suicide assessment" or "suicide risk assessment" means a structured process to gather accurate information from a client or patient to determine risk of suicide.
8. (8) "Suicide treatment and management" means engagement and collaboration between a health professional or team and client or patient to resolve suicide risk by addressing the factors contributing to risk, and ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment and safety plans.
9. (9) "Training in suicide assessment, treatment, and management" means empirically supported training approved by the appropriate disciplining authority that contains the following elements: Suicide assessment, including screening and referral, suicide treatment, and suicide management.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.442. WSR 16-14-048, § 246-12-610, filed 6/29/16, effective 6/30/16.]