The definitions in RCW 18.227.010 and in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly states otherwise.

1. (1) "Approved educational program" means a program that has been fully approved, provisionally approved, or legacy approved by the department under WAC 246-821-810 and 246-821-811 and, if applicable, registered with the department of labor and industries.
2. (2) "Behavioral health" is a term that encompasses mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders.
3. (3) "Behavioral health support specialist" or "BHSS" means a person certified under chapter 18.227 RCW to deliver brief, evidence-based interventions with a scope of practice that includes behavioral health under the supervision of a Washington state credentialed provider who has the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat identifiable mental and behavioral health conditions as part of their scope of practice. A behavioral health support specialist does not have within their scope of practice the ability to make diagnoses, but does track and monitor treatment response and outcomes using measurement-based care.
4. (4) "Brief, evidence-based intervention" means strategies focused on the reduction of symptom severity within a time frame congruent with the needs of the patient, provider, and treatment setting.
5. (5) "Client" means a recipient of behavioral health services. This term may be used interchangeably with "patient."
6. (6) "Clinical supervisor" means a provider who meets the requirements of WAC 246-821-410 and provides oversight, supervision, and consultation to a certified BHSS working within their scope of practice.
7. (7) "Measurement-based care" means the application of valid assessments to monitor and measure patient symptoms, evaluate how a patient responds to treatment, and systematically adjust treatment based on patient needs.
8. (8) "Practicum" means supervised experience that meets the requirements of WAC 246-821-200, completed for the purpose of becoming a certified BHSS. A practicum may be completed as part of a bachelor degree, post-baccalaureate education, or registered apprenticeship program and may be referenced in documentation as a practicum, internship, on-the-job training, or other similar term. Within this chapter, the terms "practicum" and "supervised experience" are used interchangeably.
9. (9) "Practicum supervisor" means a provider that meets the requirements of WAC 246-821-215, who provides oversight to a student completing a practicum.
10. (10) "Registered apprenticeship" means an apprenticeship program approved by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council according to chapter 49.04 RCW.
11. (11) "Student" means an individual working toward completing BHSS education and practicum requirements, whether part of a bachelor degree program, post-baccalaureate education, or registered apprenticeship program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.227.020, chapter 18.227 RCW, and 2023 c 270. WSR 24-21-083, s 246-821-010, filed 10/16/24, effective 1/1/25.]