Washington State Definition of a Health Care Provider

The Revised Code of Washington State's Title 18 includes regulations of professions ranging from accountants to geologists, and includes preliminary definitions of the occupations at the beginning of each of the chapters. Chapter 120, 122, 130 and 135 contain the statutory regulations pertaining to health professionals operating in the state and offers definitions of health service terms in its first sections.

Health Care Provider Defined in Title 48.43.005

• In the state of Washington, a "health care provider" or, alternatively, a "provider" can refer to both organizational entities and individuals. According to the definitions set forth in the Revised Code of Washington Title 48.43.005, a "health care provider" is defined as an individual or entity who operates under the regulatory guidance of either Title 18 or Chapter 70.127 of the Revised Code of Washington. The definition further stipulates that a "health care provider" is an individual or an entity that practices "health care services" according to state law. "Health care services" is defined in the 17th definition of the Revised Code of Washington's 48th Chapter as a service for "the prevention, cure, or treatment of illness, injury, or disease."

Health Care Provider Defined in Title 18.120.020

• The Revised Code of Washington State Title 18.120 serves the purpose of regulating health care services. In the fourth definition set forth in the second section of the chapter, "health professions" are defined as the following vocations: podiatrists, chiropractors, dental hygienists, dentists, denturists, opticians, naturopathists, funeral directors, midwifes, nursing home administrators, optometrists, ocularists, osteopathists, pharmacists, medical doctors and emergency medical doctors, physical therapists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, respiratory care practitioners, veterinarians, health care assistants, masseuses, East Asian medicine practitioners, mental health counselors, social workers, nutritionists, radiological technicians and nursing assistants.

Health Care Provider Defined in Title 70.127.010

• In Title 70.127.010 of the Revised Code of Washington state, the definition of "health care provider" is expanded to encompass individuals or entities involved in home care services. According to the definitions set forth in the beginning of the chapter, the term "health care provider" can also refer to professions involved in the support and aid of indisposed people, including the sick and the elderly.