The definitions in this section apply throughout WAC 246-840-581 and 246-840-583 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Action plan" means a documented agreement between the nurse named in the complaint(s) and the commission listing remedial steps to be taken by the nurse to resolve the identified practice deficiencies. Action plans may require remedial education, on-the-job training, and follow-up monitoring of the nurse's clinical practice by the current employer or other practice monitor.

(2) "Commission" means the Washington state nursing care quality assurance commission.

(3) "Complaint" means a documented report of a possible violation of the Uniform Disciplinary Act which the commission shall assess and may subsequently authorize an investigation.

(4) "Early remediation program" means a process in which a complaint alleging practice deficiencies is resolved through an action plan without initiating disciplinary procedures.

(5) "Practice deficiencies" include, but are not limited to:

(a) Substandard nursing practice;

(b) Failure to properly conduct a patient assessment, document treatment, or administer medications; and

(c) Failure to comply with scope of practice requirements or delegation laws and regulations.

(d) Practice deficiencies do not include drug diversion, patient abuse, fraud, theft, deceit or other willful misconduct, or conduct resulting in more than minor patient harm.