48.30A.010 - Definitions.

Definitions.

The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

     (1) "Casualty or property insurance" includes both the insurance under which a claim is filed and insurance that receives a claim through subrogation, and means insurance as defined in RCW 48.11.040 and 48.11.070 and includes self-insurance arrangements.

     (2) "Claimant" means a person who has or is believed by an actor to have an insurance claim.

     (3) "Group-buying arrangement" means an arrangement made by a membership organization having one hundred or more members in which the organization asks for or receives valuable consideration in exchange for referring its members to a service provider; the consideration asked for or received will be or is used to benefit the entire organization, not just one or more individuals in positions of power or influence in the organization; and reasonable efforts are made to disclose to affected members of the organization the nature of the referral relationship, including the nature, extent, amount, and use of the consideration.

     (4) "Health care services" means a service provided to a claimant for treatment of physical or mental illness or injury arising in whole or substantial part from trauma.

     (5) "Insurance claim" means a claim for payment, benefits, or damages under a contract, plan, or policy of casualty or property insurance.

     (6) "Legal provider" means an active member in good standing of the Washington state bar association, and any other person authorized by the Washington state supreme court to engage in full or limited practice of law.

     (7) "Service provider" means a person who directly or indirectly provides, advertises, or otherwise claims to provide services.

     (8) "Services" means health care services, motor vehicle body or other motor vehicle repair, and preparing, processing, presenting, or negotiating an insurance claim.

     (9) "Trauma" means a physical injury or wound caused by external force or violence.

[1995 c 285 § 2.]