Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Alternative training" means a nursing assistant-certified program meeting criteria adopted by the board under RCW 18.88A.087 to meet the requirements of a state-approved nurse aide competency evaluation program consistent with 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395i-3(e) and (f) of the federal social security act.

(2) "Approved training program" means a nursing assistant-certified training program approved by the board to meet the requirements of a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program consistent with 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395i-3(e) and (f) of the federal social security act. For community college, vocational-technical institutes, skill centers, and secondary school as defined in chapter 28B.50 RCW, nursing assistant-certified training programs shall be approved by the board in cooperation with the board for community and technical colleges or the superintendent of public instruction.

(3) "Board" means the state board of nursing.

(4) "Competency evaluation" means the measurement of an individual's knowledge and skills as related to safe, competent performance as a nursing assistant.

(5) "Department" means the department of health.

(6) "Health care facility" means a nursing home, hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 or 71.12 RCW, hospice care facility, home health care agency, hospice agency, licensed or certified service provider under chapter 71.24 RCW other than an individual health care provider, or other entity for delivery of health care services as defined by the board.

(7) "Medication assistant" means a nursing assistant-certified with a medication assistant endorsement issued under RCW 18.88A.082 who is authorized, in addition to his or her duties as a nursing assistant-certified, to administer certain medications and perform certain treatments in a nursing home under the supervision of a registered nurse under RCW 18.88A.082.

(8) "Nursing assistant" means an individual, regardless of title, who, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, assists in the delivery of nursing and nursing-related activities to patients in a health care facility. The two levels of nursing assistants are:

(a) "Nursing assistant-certified," an individual certified under this chapter; and

(b) "Nursing assistant-registered," an individual registered under this chapter.

(9) "Nursing home" means a nursing home licensed under chapter 18.51 RCW.

(10) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.

Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.

Effective date—2012 c 208 ss 2-10: "Sections 2 through 10 of this act take effect July 1, 2013." [ 2012 c 208 s 12.]

Findings—Rules—2012 c 208: See notes following RCW 18.88A.082.

Conflict with federal requirements—2010 c 169: See note following RCW 18.88A.010.

Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.

Board of nursing: Chapter 18.79 RCW.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Alternative training" means a nursing assistant-certified program meeting criteria adopted by the board under RCW 18.88A.087 to meet the requirements of a state-approved nurse aide competency evaluation program consistent with 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395i-3(e) and (f) of the federal social security act.

(2) "Approved training program" means a nursing assistant-certified training program approved by the board to meet the requirements of a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program consistent with 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1395i-3(e) and (f) of the federal social security act. For community college, vocational-technical institutes, skill centers, and secondary school as defined in chapter 28B.50 RCW, nursing assistant-certified training programs shall be approved by the board in cooperation with the board for community and technical colleges or the superintendent of public instruction.

(3) "Board" means the Washington state board of nursing.

(4) "Competency evaluation" means the measurement of an individual's knowledge and skills as related to safe, competent performance as a nursing assistant.

(5) "Department" means the department of health.

(6) "Executive director" means the executive director of the board hired pursuant to RCW 18.79.390.

(7) "Health care facility" means a nursing home, hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 or 71.12 RCW, hospice care facility, home health care agency, hospice agency, licensed or certified service provider under chapter 71.24 RCW other than an individual health care provider, or other entity for delivery of health care services as defined by the board.

(8) "Medication assistant" means a nursing assistant-certified with a medication assistant endorsement issued under RCW 18.88A.082 who is authorized, in addition to his or her duties as a nursing assistant-certified, to administer certain medications and perform certain treatments in a nursing home under the supervision of a registered nurse under RCW 18.88A.082.

(9) "Nursing assistant" means an individual, regardless of title, who, under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, assists in the delivery of nursing and nursing-related activities to patients in a health care facility or an individual, regardless of title, who uses their nursing assistant credential to work as a long-term care worker as allowed by RCW 18.88B.041(1) (a) or (b). The two levels of nursing assistants are:

(a) "Nursing assistant-certified," an individual certified under this chapter; and

(b) "Nursing assistant-registered," an individual registered under this chapter.

(10) "Nursing home" means a nursing home licensed under chapter 18.51 RCW.

(11) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.

Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2025 c 5 s 3 and by 2025 c 58 s 5031, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.

Effective dates—2025 c 5: See note following RCW 18.79.070.

Findings—Intent—Effective date—2018 c 201: See notes following RCW 41.05.018.

Effective date—2012 c 208 ss 2-10: "Sections 2 through 10 of this act take effect July 1, 2013." [ 2012 c 208 s 12.]

Findings—Rules—2012 c 208: See notes following RCW 18.88A.082.

Conflict with federal requirements—2010 c 169: See note following RCW 18.88A.010.

Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.

Board of nursing: Chapter 18.79 RCW.