The definitions in this section apply in WAC 246-933-601 through 246-933-630 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Continuing care" means ongoing treatment and other supports recommended by treatment providers following a period of intensive treatment or illness stabilization, typically at a lower level of care or service intensity.

(2) "Health professional monitoring group" means a group of veterinarians and other health professionals meeting regularly to support the health and well-being of its members. The group provides a confidential setting in which participants may safely discuss impairing or potentially impairing health conditions with a trained and experienced facilitator.

(3) "Impaired" or "impairment" means an inability to practice veterinary medicine with reasonable skill and safety due to a health condition.

(4) "Monitoring agreement" means a comprehensive, structured set of written expectations between the recovering veterinarian and the monitoring program wherein the veterinarian consents to comply with the expectations and elements of monitoring as required by the program.

(5) "Monitoring program" means a physician health program or voluntary substance use disorder monitoring program, which complies with applicable state law and is approved by the board. Such programs oversee a veterinarian's compliance with program requirements and may provide recommendations for approved evaluators or treatment providers.

(6) "Mutual support group" means a group within a 12-step or other organization approved by the monitoring program that promotes a philosophy of personal growth and change through peer support.

(7) "Random drug screens" means the collection of specified bodily fluids together with laboratory tests to detect the presence of drugs related to a substance use. Collection must occur at irregular intervals not known in advance by the veterinarian.

(8) "Substance use disorder" means continued use of substances and related behaviors that continue despite negative consequences.

(9) "Veterinarian" means an impaired or potentially impaired practitioner.