(1) The purpose of chapter 196-33 WAC is to provide further guidance to licensees with respect to the accepted professional conduct and standard of practice, as indicated in chapter 18.210 RCW, and generally expected of those practicing professional on-site wastewater treatment system designing. These standards shall apply to all persons authorized to practice on-site wastewater treatment system design services, whether licensed professional designers under chapter 18.210 RCW, or licensed professional engineers under chapter 18.43 RCW. The board recognizes the need to establish standards with which to measure the performance of practitioners. The board further recognizes, as a minimum standard, those standards for the design of on-site wastewater treatment systems required by chapter 246-272A WAC, promulgated by the state board of health in accordance with their authority granted in RCW 43.20.050. It is the intent of the board to introduce guidance and direction through these rules, together with recommended standards and guidance documents.

(2) The word "licensee" in these rules of professional practice shall mean any person holding a license issued in accordance with chapter 18.210 RCW, or chapter 18.43 RCW, issued by this board.

(3) All licensees are charged with having knowledge of and practicing in accordance with the provisions of these rules of professional practice.

(4) Should there be any conflict in the guidance provided in this chapter and the intent of the language of chapter 18.210 RCW, the intent of the language in chapter 18.210 RCW prevails.

(5) Terms used in this chapter shall have the same definition as provided in chapter 18.210 RCW.