Wash. Rev. Code » Title 18 · Chapter 18.71
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 18.71.010 (2026)

Definitions

✓ current as of May 2026
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The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Commission" means the Washington medical commission.
(2) "Emergency medical care" or "emergency medical service" has the same meaning as in chapter 18.73 RCW.
(3) "Maintenance of certification" means the satisfactory participation in a formal recertification program to maintain board certification after initial certification from the American board of medical specialties or other accrediting organization recognized by the commission.
(4) "Resident physician" means an individual who has graduated from a school of medicine which meets the requirements set forth in RCW 18.71.055 and is serving a period of postgraduate clinical medical training sponsored by a college or university in this state or by a hospital accredited by this state. For purposes of this chapter, the term includes individuals designated as intern or medical fellow.
(5) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.
[ 2019 c 55 s 3; 2018 c 211 s 1; 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 302; 1991 c 3 s 158; 1988 c 104 s 1; 1979 c 158 s 51; 1975 1st ex.s. c 171 s 1; 1961 c 284 s 1; 1957 c 60 s 2. Prior: 1947 c 168 s 1, part; 1919 c 134 s 3, part; 1909 c 192 s 6, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 10008, part; prior: 1905 c 41 s 1, part; 1901 c 42 s 1, part; 1890 p 115 s 3, part; Code 1881 s 2285, part.]

Notes:

Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.
Uniform Anatomical Gift Act: Chapter 68.64 RCW.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 10 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 1954–2025 · leading case: State v. Kelsey, 283 P.2d 982 (Wash. 1955).
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State v. Kelsey, 283 P.2d 982 (Wash. 1955). · cites it 4× “The statutes of the state of Washington provide: RCW 18.71.010 [ cf. Rem. Supp. 1947, § 10008]: "The practice of medicine and surgery consists of the use of drugs or medicinal preparations in or upon human beings, severing or penetrating the tissues of human beings, and the use…”
Kaul v. City of Chehalis, 277 P.2d 352 (Wash. 1954). · cites it 2× “" RCW 18.71.010. The Federal food, drug and cosmetic act defines the term "drugs" as ".”
State v. Maxfield, 285 P.2d 887 (Wash. 1955). · cites it 2× “" [1] In this state, only physicians and surgeons, commonly called "doctors of medicine," have unlimited licenses to practice medicine and surgery.”
State v. Wilson, 528 P.2d 279 (Wash. Ct. App. 1974). “, but shall in no way include the giving, prescribing or recommending of pharmaceutic drugs and poisons for internal use, .”
Nguyen v. Dep't of Health, 994 P.2d 216 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999). “050(1); RCW 18.71.010. The Department of Health established the preponderance of the evidence burden for all cases.”
Revocation of the License of Hubbard v. Washington State Med. Disciplinary Bd., 348 P.2d 981 (Wash. 1960). “In addition to being competent to enter into contracts and engage in ordinary business transactions, a person desiring to resume the practice of medicine and surgery must convince the board that he possesses the peculiar qualifications which the legislature has prescribed for…”
Michael Lang, Res/cross-app.. V. Platinum Nine Holdings, Llc, Apps/cross-res. (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “RCW 18.71.010(2). RCW 18.73.030(11) defines emergency medical services as “medical treatment and care which may be rendered at the scene of any medical emergency or while transporting any patient in an ambulance to an appropriate medical facility.”
Richard Wilkinson v. Washington Med. Comm'n (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “The Commission stakes a legitimate state interest in regulating the honesty and integrity of physician conduct based on RCW 18.71.010. In turn, WMC asserts a fundamental state interest in regulating integrity and truth in medicine along with clinical skill and competency.”
In Re Hubbard v. State Med. Dis. Bd., 348 P.2d 981 (Wash. 1960). “In addition to being competent to enter into contracts and engage in ordinary business transactions, a person desiring to resume the practice of medicine and surgery must convince the board that he possesses the peculiar qualifications which the legislature has prescribed for…”
Nguyen v. State, Dept. of Health, 994 P.2d 216 (Wash. Ct. App. 2000). “050(1); RCW 18.71.010. The Department of Health established the preponderance of the evidence burden for all cases.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 18.71.010(2) — 1 case
Michael Lang, Res/cross-app.. V. Platinum Nine Holdings, Llc, Apps/cross-res. (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “RCW 18.71.010(2). RCW 18.73.030(11) defines emergency medical services as “medical treatment and care which may be rendered at the scene of any medical emergency or while transporting any patient in an ambulance to an appropriate medical facility.”
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