Wash. Rev. Code » Title 18 · Chapter 18.79
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 18.79.020 (2026)

Definitions

✓ current as of May 2026
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2339-S.SL) ***
Unless a different meaning is plainly required by the context, the definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Board" means the Washington state board of nursing.
(2) "Department" means the department of health.
(3) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
(4) "Diagnosis," in the context of nursing practice, means the identification of, and discrimination between, the person's physical and psychosocial signs and symptoms that are essential to effective execution and management of the nursing care regimen.
(5) "Diploma" means written official verification of completion of an approved nursing education program.
(6) "Nurse" or "nursing," unless otherwise specified as a practical nurse or practical nursing, means a registered nurse or registered nursing.
[ 2023 c 123 s 17; 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 402.]

Notes:

Short title—2023 c 123: See RCW 18.80.900.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 1999–2017 · leading case: State v. Vietz, 973 P.2d 501 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999).
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State v. Vietz, 973 P.2d 501 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999). “” RCW 18.79.020(6). Thus, the use of the general term “nurse” does not include licensed practical nurses.”
Frausto v. Yakima HMA, LLC (Wash. 2017). “" RCW 18.79.020(4). ARNPs operate at the same baseline level as registered nurses, being authorized to perform "the acts of a registered nurse and the performance of an expanded role in providing health care services as recognized by the medical and nursing professions.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 18.79.020(4) — 1 case
Frausto v. Yakima HMA, LLC (Wash. 2017). “" RCW 18.79.020(4). ARNPs operate at the same baseline level as registered nurses, being authorized to perform "the acts of a registered nurse and the performance of an expanded role in providing health care services as recognized by the medical and nursing professions.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 18.79.020(6) — 1 case
State v. Vietz, 973 P.2d 501 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999). “” RCW 18.79.020(6). Thus, the use of the general term “nurse” does not include licensed practical nurses.”
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