- (1) All adjectives and adverbs, including but not limited to the words "adequate," "approved," "qualified," "reasonable," "reputable," "satisfactory," "sufficiently," and "suitable," as used in this title to qualify a person, procedure, process or otherwise shall be as determined by the authority or its designee.
- (2) Where the word "shall" is used in this title, the subject rule or action to which the word relates is mandatory.
- (3) Where the word "should" is used in this title, it indicates suggestion or recommendation but not a requirement.
- (4) Where the word "may" is used in this title, the action or rule to which the word relates is permissive or discretionary.
- (5) Words importing the singular number may also be applied to the plural of persons and things; words importing the plural may be applied to the singular; and words importing the masculine gender or relating to a man may also be extended to the feminine gender and be considered to relate equally to a woman.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.07.040. WSR 84-24-012 (Order 3), § 253-02-020, filed 11/27/84.]