PDFWAC 253-02-020

Rules of interpretation.

(1) All adjectives and adverbs, including but not limited to the words "adequate," "approved," "qualified," "reasonable," "reputable," "satisfactory," "sufficiently," and "suitable," as used in this title to qualify a person, procedure, process or otherwise shall be as determined by the authority or its designee.
(2) Where the word "shall" is used in this title, the subject rule or action to which the word relates is mandatory.
(3) Where the word "should" is used in this title, it indicates suggestion or recommendation but not a requirement.
(4) Where the word "may" is used in this title, the action or rule to which the word relates is permissive or discretionary.
(5) Words importing the singular number may also be applied to the plural of persons and things; words importing the plural may be applied to the singular; and words importing the masculine gender or relating to a man may also be extended to the feminine gender and be considered to relate equally to a woman.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.07.040. WSR 84-24-012 (Order 3), § 253-02-020, filed 11/27/84.]