The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) "Clinical record" means the portion of the patient record that contains information regarding the patient exam, dental hygiene care plan, treatment discussion, treatment performed, patient progress, progress notes, referrals, studies, tests, imaging of any type and any other information related to the dental hygiene care or treatment of the patient.

(2) "Committee" means the dental hygiene examining committee.

(3) "Dental hygienist" means an individual licensed under chapter 18.29 RCW and this chapter.

(4) "Department" means the Washington state department of health.

(5) "Financial record" means the portion of the patient record that contains information regarding the financial aspects of a patient's treatment including, but not limited to, billing, treatment plan costs, payment agreements, payments, insurance information or payment discussions held with a patient, insurance company or person responsible for account payments.

(6) "Group home" means a licensed facility that provides its residents with twenty-four hour supervision. Depending on the size, a group home may be licensed as an adult family home under chapter 70.128 RCW or an assisted living facility under chapter 18.20 RCW. Group homes provide community residential instruction, supports, and services to two or more clients who are unrelated to the provider.

(7) "Home health agency" has the same meaning as in chapter 70.126 RCW.

(8) "Hospital" has the same meaning as in RCW 70.41.020.

(9) "Notation" means a condensed or summarized written record.

(10) "Nursing home" has the same meaning as in RCW 18.51.010(3).

(11) "Patient record" is the entire record of the patient maintained by a practitioner that includes all clinical and financial information related to the patient.

(12) "Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health or the secretary's designee.