The following definitions apply to this chapter:

(1) "Challenge test" means a competency test without first taking the class for which the test is designed.

(2) "Competency" means the integrated knowledge, skills, or behavior expected of a worker after completing the training in a required topic area. Learning objectives are associated with each competency.

(3) "Competency testing" means evaluating a student to determine if they can demonstrate the required level of skill, knowledge, and behavior with respect to the identified learning objectives of a particular course.

(4) "DSHS" or "Department" means the department of social and health services and the department's employees.

(5) "Facility" means a nursing home as defined in RCW 18.51.010.

(6) "Geriatric behavioral health worker" means a person who has received specialized training devoted to diagnoses, care, and crisis management of residents with a mental health disorder, traumatic brain injury, or dementia.

(7) "Geriatric behavioral health worker training" means department-approved curricula for facility-based geriatric behavioral health workers serving persons with behavioral health needs as described in RCW 74.42.360 (2)(c)(i)(B).

(8) "Learning objectives" means measurable, written statements that clearly describe what a worker must minimally learn to meet each competency. Learning objectives are identified for each competency. Learning objectives provide consistent, common language and a framework for curriculum designers, the curriculum approval process, and testing.