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

(1) "Chemical restraint" means a psychopharmacologic drug that is used for discipline or convenience and not required to treat the resident's medical symptoms.

(2) "Department" means the department of state government responsible for licensing the provider in question.

(3) "Facility" means a long-term care facility.

(4) "Long-term care facility" means a facility that is licensed or required to be licensed under chapter 18.20, 70.97, 72.36, or 70.128 RCW.

(5) "Physical restraint" means a manual method, obstacle, or physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment attached or adjacent to the resident's body that restricts freedom of movement or access to his or her body, is used for discipline or convenience, and not required to treat the resident's medical symptoms.

(6) "Reasonable accommodation" by a facility to the needs of a prospective or current resident has the meaning given to this term under the federal Americans with disabilities act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12101 et seq. and other applicable federal or state antidiscrimination laws and regulations.

(7) "Resident" means the individual receiving services in a long-term care facility, that resident's attorney-in-fact, guardian, or other representative acting within the scope of their authority.

(8) "Resident representative" means:

(a)(i) A court-appointed guardian or conservator of a resident, if any;

(ii) An individual otherwise authorized by state or federal law including, but not limited to, agents under power of attorney, representative payees, and other fiduciaries, to act on behalf of the resident in order to support the resident in decision making; access medical, social, or other personal information of the resident; manage financial matters; or receive notifications; or

(iii) If there is no individual who meets the criteria under (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection, an individual chosen by the resident to act on behalf of the resident in order to support the resident in decision making; access medical, social, or other personal information of the resident; manage financial matters; or receive notifications.

(b) The term "resident representative" does not include any individual described in (a) of this subsection who is affiliated with any long-term care facility or nursing home where the resident resides, or its licensee or management company, unless the affiliated individual is a family member of the resident.

Findings—2021 c 159: See note following RCW 18.20.520.

Short title—Findings—Construction—Conflict with federal requirements—Part headings and captions not law—1997 c 392: See notes following RCW 74.39A.009.