reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.51 - Nursing Homes. › 18.51.575 - Communication system—Telephones and other equipment.

RCW 18.51.575
Communication system—Telephones and other equipment.
(1) Each nursing home must be responsive to incoming communications and respond within a reasonable time to phone and electronic messages.
(2) Each nursing home must have a communication system, including a sufficient quantity of working telephones and other communication equipment to ensure that residents have 24-hour access to communications with family, medical providers, and others, and also to allow for emergency contact to and from facility staff. The telephones and communication equipment must provide for auditory privacy, not be located in a staff office or station, be accessible and usable by persons with hearing loss and other disabilities, and not require payment for local calls. A nursing home is not required to provide telephones at no cost in each resident room.
[ 2021 c 159 § 9.]
NOTES:
Findings—2021 c 159: See note following RCW 18.20.520.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.51 - Nursing Homes. › 18.51.580 - Disaster preparedness plan.

RCW 18.51.580
Disaster preparedness plan.
(1) Each nursing home shall develop and maintain a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan to be followed in the event of a disaster or emergency, including fires, earthquakes, floods, infectious disease outbreaks, loss of power or water, and other events that may require sheltering in place, evacuations, or other emergency measures to protect the health and safety of residents. The nursing home shall review the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan annually, update the plan as needed, and train all employees when they begin work in the nursing home on the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan and related staff procedures.
(2) The department shall adopt rules governing the comprehensive disaster preparedness plan. At a minimum, the rules must address the following if not already adequately addressed by federal requirements for emergency planning: Timely communication with the residents' emergency contacts; timely communication with state and local agencies, long-term care ombuds, and developmental disabilities ombuds; contacting and requesting emergency assistance; on-duty employees' responsibilities; meeting residents' essential needs; procedures to identify and locate residents; and procedures to provide emergency information to provide for the health and safety of residents. In addition, the rules shall establish standards for maintaining personal protective equipment and infection control capabilities, as well as department inspection procedures with respect to the plans.
[ 2021 c 159 § 11.]
NOTES:
Findings—2021 c 159: See note following RCW 18.20.520.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.51 - Nursing Homes. › 18.51.590 - Multistate nurse license—Conditions of employment.

RCW 18.51.590
Multistate nurse license—Conditions of employment.
(1) Beginning September 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, individuals that hold a multistate nurse license issued by a state other than Washington and are employed by nursing homes licensed under this chapter shall complete any demographic data surveys required by the board of nursing in rule as a condition of employment.
(2) Individuals that hold a multistate nurse license issued by a state other than Washington and are employed by nursing homes licensed under this chapter shall complete the suicide assessment, treatment, and management training required by RCW 43.70.442(5)(a) as a condition of employment.
(3) Nursing homes shall report to the board of nursing, within 30 days of employment, all nurses holding a multistate license issued by a state other than Washington and an attestation that the employees holding a multistate license issued by a state other than Washington have completed the tasks required under this section as a condition of employment.
(4) This section is subject to enforcement by the department.
[ 2023 c 123 § 27.]
NOTES:
Short title—2023 c 123: See RCW 18.80.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.51 - Nursing Homes. › 18.51.920 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.

RCW 18.51.920
Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 § 47.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.010 - Short title—Intent.

RCW 18.52.010
Short title—Intent.
This chapter shall be known as the "Nursing Home Administrator Licensing Act" and is intended to establish and provide for the enforcement of standards for the licensing of nursing home administrators. The legislature finds that the quality of patient care in nursing homes is directly related to the competence of the nursing home administrators. It is the intent of this chapter that licensed nursing home administrators continually maintain (1) the suitable character required and (2) the capacity to consider the available resources and personnel of the facility subject to their authority and come to reasonable decisions implementing patient care.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 243 § 1; 1970 ex.s. c 57 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.020 - Definitions.

RCW 18.52.020
Definitions.
When used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise clearly requires:
(1) "Board" means the state board of nursing home administrators representative of the professions and institutions concerned with the care of the chronically ill and infirm aged patients.
(2) "Secretary" means the secretary of health or the secretary's designee.
(3) "Nursing home" means any facility or portion thereof licensed under state law as a nursing home.
(4) "Nursing home administrator" means an individual qualified by education, experience, training, and examination to administer a nursing home. A nursing home administrator administering a nursing home must be in active administrative charge as defined by the board. Nothing in this definition or this chapter shall be construed to prevent any person, so long as he or she is otherwise qualified, from obtaining and maintaining a license even though he or she has not administered or does not continue to administer a nursing home.
[ 1992 c 53 § 1; 1991 c 3 § 116; 1979 c 158 § 44; 1970 ex.s. c 57 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.025 - Authority of secretary of health.

RCW 18.52.025
Authority of secretary of health.
In addition to any other authority provided by law, the secretary shall have the following authority:
(1) To set all fees required in this chapter in accordance with RCW 43.70.250 which may include fees for approval of continuing competency, supervision of practical experience, all applications, verification, renewal, examination, and late penalties;
(2) To establish forms necessary to administer this chapter;
(3) To issue a license to any applicant who has met the education, training, and examination requirements for licensure and deny a license to applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications for licensure, except that proceedings concerning the denial of licenses based on unprofessional conduct or impaired practice shall be governed by the uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW;
(4) To employ clerical, administrative, and investigative staff as needed to implement and administer this chapter and to employ individuals including those licensed under this chapter to serve as examiners or consultants as necessary to implement and administer this chapter; and
(5) To maintain the official department record of all applicants and licensees.
[ 1992 c 53 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.030 - Management and supervision of nursing homes by licensed administrators required.

RCW 18.52.030
Management and supervision of nursing homes by licensed administrators required.
Nursing homes operating within this state shall be under the active, overall administrative charge and supervision of an on-site full-time administrator licensed as provided in this chapter. No person acting in any capacity, unless the holder of a nursing home administrator's license issued under this chapter, shall be charged with the overall responsibility to make decisions or direct actions involved in managing the internal operation of a nursing home, except as specifically delegated in writing by the administrator to identify a responsible person to act on the administrator's behalf when the administrator is absent. The administrator shall review the decisions upon the administrator's return and amend the decisions if necessary. The board shall define by rule the parameters for on-site full-time administrators in nursing homes with small resident populations, nursing homes in rural areas, nursing homes with small resident populations when the nursing home has converted some of its licensed nursing facility bed capacity for use as assisted living or enhanced assisted living services under chapter 74.39A RCW, or separately licensed facilities collocated on the same campus.
[ 2011 c 366 § 5; 2000 c 93 § 6; 1992 c 53 § 3; 1970 ex.s. c 57 § 3.]
NOTES:
Findings—Purpose—Conflict with federal requirements—2011 c 366: See notes following RCW 18.20.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.040 - Board of nursing home administrators—Created—Membership.

RCW 18.52.040
Board of nursing home administrators—Created—Membership.
(1) The state board of nursing home administrators shall consist of eleven members appointed by the governor. Six members shall be persons licensed under this chapter who have at least four years actual experience in the administration of a licensed nursing home in this state. At least one, but not more than two, of the six administrator members shall be an administrator of an assisted living facility or a continuing care retirement community.
(2) Three members shall be representatives of one or more of the following:
(a) Licensed health care professionals providing medical or nursing services in nursing homes who are privately or self-employed;
(b) Faculty or administrators of educational institutions who have special knowledge of health care education, long-term care, or care of the aged or elderly; or
(c) Persons currently employed in areas related to the long-term care field including, but not limited to, pharmacy, home health, adult family homes, or therapy services.
(3) Two members shall be members of the health care consuming public who are residents of nursing homes or family members of nursing home residents or persons eligible for medicare. No member who is a nonadministrator representative shall have any direct or family financial interest in nursing homes while serving as a member of the board. The governor shall consult with and seek the recommendations of the appropriate statewide business and professional organizations and societies primarily concerned with long-term health care facilities in the course of considering his or her appointments to the board.
[ 2022 c 240 § 3; 2011 c 336 § 488; 1992 c 53 § 4; 1975 1st ex.s. c 97 § 1; 1970 ex.s. c 57 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.050 - Board—Generally.

RCW 18.52.050
Board—Generally.
Members of the board shall be residents of this state. All administrator members of the board shall be holders of licenses under this chapter. The terms of all members shall be five years. Any board member may be removed for just cause including a finding of fact of unprofessional conduct or impaired practice. The governor may appoint a new member to fill any vacancy on the board for the remainder of the unexpired term. No board member may serve more than two consecutive full terms. Board members shall serve until their successors are appointed. Board members shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.265 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060. The board is designated as a class five group for purposes of chapter 43.03 RCW. The board may elect annually a chair and vice chair to direct the meetings of the board. The board shall meet at least four times each year and may hold additional meetings as called by the secretary or the chair. A majority of the board members appointed and serving constitutes a quorum for the transaction of board business. The affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum of the board is required to carry a motion or resolution, to adopt a rule, or to pass a measure.
[ 2022 c 240 § 4; 1992 c 53 § 5; 1970 ex.s. c 57 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.061 - Board—Authority.

RCW 18.52.061
Board—Authority.
In addition to any authority provided by law, the board shall have the following authority:
(1) To adopt rules in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW necessary to implement this chapter;
(2) To prepare and administer or approve the preparation and administration of examinations for licensure;
(3) To conduct a hearing on an appeal of a denial of license based on the applicant's failure to meet the minimum qualifications for licensure. The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW;
(4) To establish by rule the procedures for an appeal of an examination failure;
(5) To adopt rules implementing a continuing competency program;
(6) To issue subpoenas, statements of charges, statements of intent to deny licenses, and orders, and to delegate in writing to a designee to issue subpoenas; and
(7) To issue temporary license permits under circumstances defined by the board.
[ 1992 c 53 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.066 - Application of uniform disciplinary act.

RCW 18.52.066
Application of uniform disciplinary act.
The uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of licensees under this chapter.
[ 1987 c 150 § 32.]
NOTES:
Severability—1987 c 150: See RCW 18.122.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.071 - Qualifications of licensees.

RCW 18.52.071
Qualifications of licensees.
The department shall issue a license to any person applying for a nursing home administrator's license who meets the following requirements:
(1) Successful completion of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution of higher learning and any federal requirements;
(2) Successful completion of a practical experience requirement as determined by the board;
(3) Successful completion of examinations administered or approved by the board, or both, which shall be designed to test the candidate's competence to administer a nursing home;
(4) At least twenty-one years of age; and
(5) Not having engaged in unprofessional conduct as defined in RCW 18.130.180 or being unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety as defined in RCW 18.130.170. The board shall establish by rule what constitutes adequate proof of meeting the above requirements.
A limited license indicating the limited extent of authority to administer institutions conducted by and for those who rely upon treatment by prayer or spiritual means in accordance with the creed or tenets of any well-recognized church or religious denomination shall be issued to individuals demonstrating membership in such church or denomination. However, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require an applicant employed by such institution to demonstrate proficiency in any medical techniques or to meet any medical educational qualifications or medical standards not in accord with the remedial care and treatment provided in such institutions.
[ 1996 c 271 § 1; 1992 c 53 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.110 - License renewal.

RCW 18.52.110
License renewal.
(1) Every holder of a nursing home administrator's license shall renew that license by fulfilling the continuing competency requirement and by complying with administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees as determined according to RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. The board may prescribe rules for maintenance of a license for temporary or permanent withdrawal or retirement from the active practice of nursing home administration.
(2) A condition of renewal shall be the presentation of proof by the applicant that the board requirement for continuing competency related to the administration of nursing homes has been met.
[ 1996 c 191 § 26; 1992 c 53 § 8; 1991 c 3 § 120; 1984 c 279 § 69; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 § 54; 1971 ex.s. c 266 § 9; 1970 ex.s. c 57 § 11.]
NOTES:
Severability—1984 c 279: See RCW 18.130.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.130 - Recognition of out-of-state licensees.

RCW 18.52.130
Recognition of out-of-state licensees.
The secretary may issue a nursing home administrator's license to anyone who holds a current administrator's license from another jurisdiction upon receipt of an application and complying with administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees determined according to RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280, if the standards for licensing in such other jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to those prevailing in this state, and that the applicant is otherwise qualified as determined by the board.
[ 1996 c 191 § 27; 1992 c 53 § 9; 1991 c 3 § 121; 1985 c 7 § 50; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 § 55; 1970 ex.s. c 57 § 13.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.140 - Penalty for unlicensed acts.

RCW 18.52.140
Penalty for unlicensed acts.
It shall be unlawful and constitute a gross misdemeanor for any person to act or serve in the capacity of a nursing home administrator unless he or she is the holder of a nursing home administrator's license issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That persons carrying out functions and duties delegated by a licensed administrator as defined in RCW 18.52.030 shall not be construed to be committing any unlawful act under this chapter.
[ 1992 c 53 § 10; 1970 ex.s. c 57 § 14.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52 - Nursing Home Administrators. › 18.52.160 - Examinations—Times and places—Meetings of board.

RCW 18.52.160
Examinations—Times and places—Meetings of board.
The board shall meet as often as may be necessary to carry out the duties of the board under this chapter. Examinations shall be administered at intervals not less than semiannually and at such times and places as may be determined by the board. There shall not be a limit upon the number of times a candidate may take the required examination.
[ 1984 c 279 § 71; 1970 ex.s. c 57 § 17.]
NOTES:
Severability—1984 c 279: See RCW 18.130.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52C - Nursing Pools. › 18.52C.010 - Legislative intent.

RCW 18.52C.010
Legislative intent.
The legislature intends to protect the public's right to high quality health care by assuring that nursing pools employ, procure or refer competent and qualified health care or long-term care personnel, and that such personnel are provided to health care facilities, agencies, or individuals in a way to meet the needs of residents and patients.
[ 1997 c 392 § 526; 1988 c 243 § 1.]
NOTES:
Short title—Findings—Construction—Conflict with federal requirements—Part headings and captions not law—1997 c 392: See notes following RCW 74.39A.009.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52C - Nursing Pools. › 18.52C.020 - Definitions.

RCW 18.52C.020
Definitions.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Adult family home" means a residential home licensed pursuant to chapter 70.128 RCW.
(2) "Assisted living facility" means an assisted living facility licensed under chapter 18.20 RCW.
(3) "Enhanced services facility" means an enhanced services facility licensed under chapter 70.97 RCW.
(4) "Health care facility" means a nursing home, hospital, hospice care facility, home health care agency, hospice agency, assisted living facility, group home, or other entity for the delivery of health care or long-term care services, including chore services provided under chapter 74.39A RCW.
(5) "Health care personnel" means a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse as defined in chapter 18.79 RCW, a surgical technologist registered under chapter 18.215 RCW, a diagnostic radiologic technologist or cardiovascular invasive specialist certified under chapter 18.84 RCW, a respiratory care practitioner licensed under chapter 18.89 RCW, or a nursing assistant-certified as defined in RCW 18.88A.020 who is a temporary employee or a referred independent contractor of a nursing pool.
(6) "Hospital" means a facility licensed under chapter 70.41 or 71.12 RCW.
(7) "Long-term care personnel" means any person who qualifies as a long-term care worker as defined in RCW 49.95.010.
(8) "Nursing home" means any nursing home facility licensed pursuant to chapter 18.52 RCW.
(9) "Nursing pool" means any person engaged in the business of providing, procuring, or referring health care or long-term care personnel for temporary employment in health care facilities, such as licensed nurses or practical nurses, nursing assistants, and chore service providers. "Nursing pool" does not include an individual who only engages in providing his or her own services. "Nursing pool" does not include a hospital, clinic, nursing home, assisted living facility, enhanced services facility, or an adult family home that provides temporary staffing to its own organization.
(9) [(10)] "Person" includes an individual, firm, corporation, partnership, or association.
(10) [(11)] "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health.
[ 2023 c 100 § 1. Prior: 2012 c 10 § 36; 2001 c 319 § 3; 1997 c 392 § 527; 1991 c 3 § 130; 1988 c 243 § 2.]
NOTES:
Application—2012 c 10: See note following RCW 18.20.010.
Short title—Findings—Construction—Conflict with federal requirements—Part headings and captions not law—1997 c 392: See notes following RCW 74.39A.009.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52C - Nursing Pools. › 18.52C.030 - Registration required.

RCW 18.52C.030
Registration required.
(1) A person who operates a nursing pool shall register the pool with the secretary. Each separate location of the business of a nursing pool shall have a separate registration.
(2) In addition to the requirements in subsection (1) of this section, a person who operates a nursing pool that employs, procures, or refers health care or long-term care personnel for temporary employment in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, enhanced services facility, or an adult family home as defined in RCW 18.52C.020 shall:
(a) Register the pool with the secretary annually; and
(b) Disclose corporate structure and ownership, if any, which the secretary shall make publicly available, as part of the annual registration process.
(3) The secretary shall establish administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280. All fees or assessments levied by the state to cover the costs associated with this section shall be borne by the persons who operate nursing pools.
[ 2023 c 100 § 2; 1996 c 191 § 28; 1991 c 3 § 131; 1988 c 243 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52C - Nursing Pools. › 18.52C.050 - Registration prerequisite to state reimbursement.

RCW 18.52C.050
Registration prerequisite to state reimbursement.
No state agency shall allow reimbursement for the use of temporary health care personnel from nursing pools that are not registered pursuant to this chapter: PROVIDED, That individuals directly retained by a health care facility without intermediaries may be reimbursed.
[ 1988 c 243 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52C - Nursing Pools. › 18.52C.060 - Disclosure of data—Annual reports.

RCW 18.52C.060
Disclosure of data—Annual reports.
(1) Nursing pools operating in Washington state shall report to the secretary annually the following information, at a minimum, by county in which the health care or long-term care personnel performed the work and by type of hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, enhanced services facility, or adult family home:
(a) The average amount charged by the nursing pool for health care or long-term care personnel by license type;
(b) The average amount paid by the nursing pool to health care or long-term care personnel by license type;
(c) The average amount of labor-related costs paid by the nursing pool by health care or long-term care personnel license type, such as payroll taxes, workers' compensation insurance, professional liability coverage, credentialing, and other employee-related costs;
(d) The number of placements made within 25 miles and 50 miles of the health care or long-term care personnel's residence as identified in their employee tax information; and
(e) The total number of placements made by the nursing pool.
(2) The secretary shall produce an annual report to be made available on the department of health's website. The annual report shall include, at a minimum, the following information by county in which the health care or long-term care personnel performed the work and by type of hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, enhanced services facility, or adult family home:
(a) The average amount charged by nursing pools for health care or long-term care personnel by license type;
(b) The average amount paid by the nursing pool to health care or long-term care personnel by license type;
(c) The average amount of labor-related costs paid by the nursing pool by health care or long-term care personnel license type, such as payroll taxes, workers' compensation insurance, professional liability coverage, credentialing, and other employee-related costs;
(d) The number of placements made within 25 miles and 50 miles of the health care or long-term care personnel's residence as identified in their employee tax information; and
(e) The total number of placements made by each registered nursing pool.
[ 2023 c 100 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.52C - Nursing Pools. › 18.52C.070 - Multistate nurse license—Conditions of employment.

RCW 18.52C.070
Multistate nurse license—Conditions of employment.
(1) Beginning September 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, individuals that hold a multistate nurse license issued by a state other than Washington and are employed by a nursing pool shall complete any demographic data surveys required by the board of nursing in rule as a condition of employment.
(2) Individuals that hold a multistate nurse license issued by a state other than Washington and are employed by a nursing pool shall complete the suicide assessment, treatment, and management training required by RCW 43.70.442(5)(a) as a condition of employment.
(3) Nursing pools shall report to the board of nursing, within 30 days of employment, all nurses holding a multistate license issued by a state other than Washington and an attestation that the employees holding a multistate license issued by a state other than Washington have completed the tasks required under this section as a condition of employment.
(4) This section is subject to enforcement by the secretary.
[ 2023 c 123 § 31.]
NOTES:
Short title—2023 c 123: See RCW 18.80.900.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.005 - Legislative finding and declaration.

RCW 18.53.005
Legislative finding and declaration.
The legislature finds and declares that the practice of optometry is a learned profession and affects the health, welfare and safety of the people of this state, and should be regulated in the public interest and limited to qualified persons licensed and authorized to practice under the provisions of chapters 18.53 and 18.54 RCW.
[ 1981 c 58 § 1; 1975 1st ex.s. c 69 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.021 - License required.

RCW 18.53.021
License required.
It is a violation of RCW 18.130.190 for any person to practice optometry in this state without first obtaining a license from the secretary of health.
[ 1991 c 3 § 133; 1987 c 150 § 38.]
NOTES:
Severability—1987 c 150: See RCW 18.122.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.030 - Temporary permit—When issued.

RCW 18.53.030
Temporary permit—When issued.
The board may at its discretion, issue a permit to practice optometry during the interim between examinations, to any person who has filed an application for examination which has been accepted by the board as admitting the applicant to the next examination. Such permit shall be valid only until the date of the next examination and shall not be issued sooner than thirty days following any regular examination, and no permit shall be issued to any person who has failed before the board, nor where a certificate has been revoked.
[ 1986 c 259 § 80; 1919 c 144 § 8; RRS § 10153.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 259: See note following RCW 18.130.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.035 - Credentialing by endorsement.

RCW 18.53.035
Credentialing by endorsement.
An applicant holding a credential in another state may be credentialed to practice in this state without examination if the board determines that the other state's credentialing standards are substantially equivalent to the standards in this state.
[ 1991 c 332 § 30.]
NOTES:
Application to scope of practice—Captions not law—1991 c 332: See notes following RCW 18.130.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.040 - Exemptions—Exceptions—Limitation.

RCW 18.53.040
Exemptions—Exceptions—Limitation.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to pertain in any manner to the practice of any regularly qualified oculist or physician, who is regularly licensed to practice medicine in the state of Washington, or to any person who is regularly licensed to practice as a dispensing optician in the state of Washington, nor to any person who in the regular course of trade, sells or offers for sale, spectacles or eyeglasses as regular merchandise without pretense of adapting them to the eyes of the purchaser, and not in evasion of this chapter: PROVIDED, That any such regularly qualified oculist or physician or other person shall be subject to the provisions of RCW 18.53.140 (9) through (14), in connection with the performance of any function coming within the definition of the practice of optometry as defined in this chapter: PROVIDED FURTHER, HOWEVER, That in no way shall this section be construed to permit a dispensing optician to practice optometry as defined in chapter 69, Laws of 1975 1st ex. sess.
[ 2000 c 171 § 19; 1975 1st ex.s. c 69 § 15; 1937 c 155 § 3; 1919 c 144 § 15; Rem. Supp. 1937 § 10159. Prior: 1909 c 235 § 13.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.050 - License renewal.

RCW 18.53.050
License renewal.
Every licensed optometrist shall renew his or her license by complying with administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees determined according to RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280.
[ 1996 c 191 § 29; 1991 c 3 § 134; 1985 c 7 § 51; 1983 c 168 § 8; 1981 c 277 § 8; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 § 56; 1971 ex.s. c 266 § 10; 1955 c 275 § 1; 1919 c 144 § 13; RRS § 10158.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.070 - Licensing—Procedures, requirements, fees.

RCW 18.53.070
Licensing—Procedures, requirements, fees.
Administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees for issuing a license shall be determined as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280.
[ 1996 c 191 § 30; 1991 c 3 § 136; 1985 c 7 § 52; 1981 c 260 § 5. Prior: 1975 1st ex.s. c 69 § 5; 1975 1st ex.s. c 30 § 57; 1919 c 144 § 9; RRS § 10151; prior: 1909 c 235 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.100 - Disciplinary action—Grounds.

RCW 18.53.100
Disciplinary action—Grounds.
The following constitutes grounds for disciplinary action under chapter 18.130 RCW:
(1) Any form of fraud or deceit used in securing a license; or
(2) Any unprofessional conduct, of a nature likely to deceive or defraud the public; or
(3) The employing either directly or indirectly of any person or persons commonly known as "cappers" or "steerers" to obtain business; or
(4) To employ any person to solicit from house to house, or to personally solicit from house to house; or
(5) Advertisement in any way in which untruthful, improbable or impossible statements are made regarding treatments, cures or values; or
(6) The use of the term "eye specialist" in connection with the name of such optometrist; or
(7) Inability to demonstrate, in a manner satisfactory to the secretary or the board of optometry, their practical ability to perform any function set forth in RCW 18.53.010 which they utilize in their practice.
[ 1991 c 3 § 137; 1986 c 259 § 81; 1975 1st ex.s. c 69 § 6; 1919 c 144 § 11; RRS § 10156. Prior: 1909 c 235 §§ 11, 12.]
NOTES:
Savings—1986 c 259 §§ 81 and 85: "The repeal of RCW 18.53.020 and the amendment of RCW 18.53.100 by this act shall not be construed as affecting any rights and duties which matured, penalties which were incurred, and proceedings which were begun before June 11, 1986." [ 1986 c 259 § 86.]
Severability—1986 c 259: See note following RCW 18.130.010.
False advertising: Chapter 9.04 RCW.
Violation of Uniform Controlled Substances Act—Suspension of license: RCW 69.50.413.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.101 - Application of uniform disciplinary act.

RCW 18.53.101
Application of uniform disciplinary act.
The uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of licensees under this chapter and chapter 18.54 RCW.
[ 1987 c 150 § 36; 1986 c 259 § 78.]
NOTES:
Severability—1987 c 150: See RCW 18.122.901.
Severability—1986 c 259: See note following RCW 18.130.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.145 - Unlawful advertising of indemnity benefits.

RCW 18.53.145
Unlawful advertising of indemnity benefits.
It shall be unlawful for any licensee subject to the provisions of chapter 18.53 RCW to advertise to the effect that benefits in the form of indemnity will accrue to subscribers of health care service contracts for services performed by the licensee for a subscriber when the licensee is neither a health care service contractor nor a participant. A violation of this section shall be punishable as provided in RCW 18.53.140(10).
[ 1969 c 143 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.150 - Violations generally—Penalty.

RCW 18.53.150
Violations generally—Penalty.
Any person violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1986 c 259 § 83; 1919 c 144 § 22; RRS § 10163. Prior: 1909 c 235 § 12.]
NOTES:
Severability—1986 c 259: See note following RCW 18.130.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.160 - Public aid ocular services—Discrimination prohibited.

RCW 18.53.160
Public aid ocular services—Discrimination prohibited.
All agencies of the state and its subdivisions, and all commissions, clinics and boards administering relief, public assistance, public welfare assistance, social security, health insurance, or health service under the laws of this state, shall accept the services of licensed optometrists for any service covered by their licenses relating to any person receiving benefits from said agencies or subdivisions and shall pay for such services in the same way as practitioners of other professions may be paid for similar services. None of the said governmental agencies, or agents, officials or employees thereof, including the public schools, in the performance of their duties shall in any way show discrimination among licensed ocular practitioners.
[ 1949 c 149 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9991a.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.165 - Discrimination prohibited—Legislative finding and declaration.

RCW 18.53.165
Discrimination prohibited—Legislative finding and declaration.
The legislature finds and declares that the costs of health care to the people are rising disproportionately to other costs and that there is a paramount concern that the right of the people to obtain access to health care in all its facets is being impaired thereby. For this reason, the reliance on the mechanism of insurance, whether profit or nonprofit, is the only effective manner in which the large majority of the people can attain access to quality health care, and it is therefore declared to be in the public interest that health care insurance be regulated to assure that all the people have access to health care rendered by whatever means, and to the greatest extent possible. RCW 18.53.165 through 18.53.190 and 18.53.901, prohibiting discrimination against the legally recognized and licensed profession of optometrists, is necessary in the interest of the public health, welfare and safety.
[ 1973 c 48 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.170 - Discrimination prohibited—Acceptance of services by state agencies and subdivisions.

RCW 18.53.170
Discrimination prohibited—Acceptance of services by state agencies and subdivisions.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the state and its political subdivisions shall accept the services of licensed optometrists for any service covered by their licenses with relation to any person receiving benefits, salaries, wages, or any other type of compensation from the state, its agencies or subdivisions.
[ 1973 c 48 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.175 - Discrimination prohibited—State agencies and subdivisions—Officials and employees.

RCW 18.53.175
Discrimination prohibited—State agencies and subdivisions—Officials and employees.
The state and its political subdivisions, and all officials, agents, employees, or representatives thereof, are prohibited from in any way discriminating against licensed optometrists in performing and receiving compensation for services covered by their licenses.
[ 1973 c 48 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.180 - Discrimination prohibited—Agreements or contracts by state and subdivisions.

RCW 18.53.180
Discrimination prohibited—Agreements or contracts by state and subdivisions.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the state and its political subdivisions, and all officials, agents, employees, or representatives thereof, are prohibited from entering into any agreement or contract with any individual, group, association, or corporation which in any way, directly or indirectly, discriminates against licensed optometrists in performing and receiving compensation for services covered by their licenses.
[ 1973 c 48 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.185 - Discrimination prohibited—Costs immaterial.

RCW 18.53.185
Discrimination prohibited—Costs immaterial.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the purpose of RCW 18.53.165 through 18.53.180 and 18.53.190 it is immaterial whether the cost of any policy, plan, agreement, or contract be deemed additional compensation for services, or otherwise.
[ 1973 c 48 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.190 - Discrimination prohibited—Application of law.

RCW 18.53.190
Discrimination prohibited—Application of law.
RCW 18.53.165 through 18.53.185 shall apply to all agreements, renewals, or contracts issued on or after June 7, 1973.
Health care service contracts having a participant agreement with a majority of the licensed optometrists within its service area may provide benefits to persons or groups of persons through contracts which allow a subscriber to utilize on an equal participation basis the services of any participant provided in the contract, and such contracts shall not be discriminatory.
[ 1975 1st ex.s. c 69 § 8; 1973 c 48 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.200 - Privileged communications.

RCW 18.53.200
Privileged communications.
The information and records of a licensed optometrist pertaining to a patient shall be privileged communications, the same as now or hereafter may exist in the relationship of physician and patient and shall not be released or subjected to disclosure without the consent of the patient or as otherwise required by law.
[ 1975 1st ex.s. c 69 § 14.]
NOTES:
Privileged communications—Physician and patient: RCW 5.60.060.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.210 - Inactive license status.

RCW 18.53.210
Inactive license status.
The optometry board may adopt rules under this section authorizing an inactive license status.
(1) An individual licensed under this chapter may place his or her license on inactive status. The holder of an inactive license must not practice optometry in this state without first activating the license.
(2) The inactive renewal fee must be established by the secretary under RCW 43.70.250. Failure to renew an inactive license shall result in cancellation of the inactive license in the same manner as an active license.
(3) An inactive license may be placed in an active status upon compliance with rules established by the optometry board.
(4) Provisions relating to disciplinary action against a person with a license are applicable to a person with an inactive license, except that when disciplinary proceedings against a person with an inactive license have been initiated, the license will remain inactive until the proceedings have been completed.
[ 2006 c 232 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.900 - Short title—1919 c 144.

RCW 18.53.900
Short title—1919 c 144.
This act shall be known, and may be referred to as, "The Optometry Law".
[ 1919 c 144 § 20.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.901 - Severability—1973 c 48.

RCW 18.53.901
Severability—1973 c 48.
If any provision of this 1973 act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
[ 1973 c 48 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.53 - Optometry. › 18.53.920 - Repeal—1919 c 144.

RCW 18.53.920
Repeal—1919 c 144.
All acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act are hereby repealed.
[ 1919 c 144 § 19.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.54 - Optometry Board. › 18.54.010 - Definitions.

RCW 18.54.010
Definitions.
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms used in this chapter take their meanings as follows:
(1) "Board" means the optometry board;
(2) "License" means a certificate or permit to practice optometry as provided in *RCW 18.53.020 as amended from time to time;
(3) "Members" means members of the optometry board.
[ 1963 c 25 § 1.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 18.53.020 was repealed by 1986 c 259 § 85.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.54 - Optometry Board. › 18.54.020 - Examining committee reconstituted as optometry board.

RCW 18.54.020
Examining committee reconstituted as optometry board.
The examining committee, heretofore created pursuant to RCW 43.24.060, is reorganized and reconstituted as the optometry board.
[ 1963 c 25 § 2.]
NOTES:
RCW 43.24.060 and 43.24.120 not applicable to optometry: RCW 18.54.920.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.54 - Optometry Board. › 18.54.030 - Composition—Appointments—Qualifications—Terms—Vacancies.

RCW 18.54.030
Composition—Appointments—Qualifications—Terms—Vacancies.
The initial composition of the optometry board includes the three members of the examining committee for optometry plus two more optometrists to be appointed by the governor.
The governor must make all appointments to the optometry board. Only optometrists who are residents of this state, having been licensed to practice and practicing optometry in this state for a period of at least four years immediately preceding the effective date of appointment, and who have no connection with any optical supply business may be appointed.
All appointments are for three years.
In addition to the members specified in this section, the governor shall appoint a consumer member of the board, who shall serve for a term of three years.
In the event that a vacancy occurs on the board in the middle of an appointee's term, the governor must appoint a successor for the unexpired portion of the term only.
[ 2022 c 240 § 23; 2011 c 336 § 489; 1984 c 279 § 54; 1963 c 25 § 3.]
NOTES:
Severability—1984 c 279: See RCW 18.130.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 18 - Businesses and Professions › Chapter 18.54 - Optometry Board. › 18.54.040 - Officers.

RCW 18.54.040
Officers.
The board must elect a chair and secretary from its members, to serve for a term of one year or until their successors are elected and qualified.
[ 2011 c 336 § 490; 1963 c 25 § 4.]