(1) Disease case investigators, upon specific authorization from a physician or by a physician's standing order, are hereby authorized to gather specimens, including through performance of venipuncture or fingerstick puncture, from a person for the sole purpose of obtaining specimens for use in testing for sexually transmitted diseases, blood-borne pathogens, and other infections as defined by board rule.

(2) For the purposes of this section:

(a) "Disease case investigator" means only those persons who:

(i) Are employed by public health authorities; and

(ii) Have been trained by a physician in proper procedures to be employed when collecting specimens, including blood, in accordance with training requirements established by the department of health; and

(iii) Possess a statement signed by the instructing physician that the training required by (a)(ii) of this subsection has been successfully completed.

(b) "Physician" means any person licensed under the provisions of chapters 18.57 or 18.71 RCW.