The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Anesthesiologist" means an actively practicing, board-eligible physician licensed under chapter 18.71, 18.71B, or 18.57 RCW who has completed a residency or equivalent training in anesthesiology.

(2) "Anesthesiologist assistant" means a person who is licensed by the commission to assist in developing and implementing anesthesia care plans for patients under the supervision of an anesthesiologist or group of anesthesiologists approved by the commission to supervise such assistant.

(3) "Assists" means the anesthesiologist assistant personally performs those duties and responsibilities delegated by the anesthesiologist. Delegated services must be consistent with the delegating anesthesiologist's education, training, experience, and active practice. Delegated services must be of the type that a reasonable and prudent anesthesiologist would find within the scope of sound medical judgment to delegate.

(4) "Commission" means the Washington medical commission.

(5) "Practice medicine" has the meaning defined in RCW 18.71.011.

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

(7) "Supervision" means the immediate availability of the medically directing anesthesiologist for consultation and direction of the activities of the anesthesiologist assistant. A medically directing anesthesiologist is immediately available if they are in physical proximity that allows the anesthesiologist to reestablish direct contact with the patient to meet medical needs and any urgent or emergent clinical problems, and personally participating in the most demanding procedures of the anesthesia plan including, if applicable, induction and emergence. These responsibilities may also be met through coordination among anesthesiologists of the same group or department.