The definitions in this section apply throughout WAC 246-840-750 through 246-840-780 unless the text clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Approved treatment facility" is a facility certified by the division of behavioral health and recovery (DBHR) department of social and health services, according to chapters 388-877 through 388-877B WAC that meets the defined standards. Drug and alcohol treatment facilities located out-of-state must have substantially equivalent standards.

(2) "Continuing care" means the phase of treatment following acute treatment. Common elements of continuing care include relapse prevention and self-help group participation.

(3) "Monitoring contract" is a comprehensive, structured agreement between the recovering nurse and WHPS defining the requirements of the nurse's program participation.

(4) "Peer support group" is a professionally facilitated support group designed to support recovery and re-entry into practice.

(5) "Random drug screens" means laboratory tests to detect the presence of drugs of abuse in body fluids and other biologic specimens that are performed at irregular intervals not known in advance by the person to be tested.

(6) "Referral contract" is a formal agreement between the commission and the nurse to comply with the requirements of the WHPS program in lieu of discipline.

(7) "Self-help groups" means groups or fellowships providing support for people with substance use disorder to support their sobriety and recovery.

(8) "Substance abuse" or "substance use disorder" means a chronic progressive illness that involves the use of alcohol or other drugs to a degree that it interferes with the functional life of the registrant/licensee, as manifested by health, family, job (professional services), legal, financial, or emotional problems.

(9) "Washington health professional services (WHPS)" is the approved substance abuse monitoring program as described in RCW 18.130.175 that meets criteria established by the commission. WHPS does not provide evaluation or treatment services.