Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Department" means the department of health.

(2) "Health care professional recruitment and retention strategic plan" means a plan developed by the participant and includes identification of health care personnel needs of the community, how these professionals will be recruited and retained in the community following recruitment.

(3) "Institutions of higher education" means educational institutions as defined in RCW 28B.10.016.

(4) "Local administrator" means an individual or organization representing the participant who may enter into legal agreements on behalf of the participant.

(5) "Participant" means communities, counties, and regions that serve as a health care catchment area where the project site is located.

(6) "Project" means the community-based retention and recruitment project.

(7) "Project site" means a site selected to participate in the project.

(8) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.