According to RCW 42.40.020(10):
“Whistleblower” means:
(i) An employee who in good faith reports alleged improper governmental action to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section, initiating an investigation by the auditor under RCW 42.40.040; or
(ii) An employee who is perceived by the employer as reporting, whether they did or not, alleged improper governmental action to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section, initiating an investigation by the auditor under RCW 42.40.040.
(b) For purposes of the provisions of this chapter and chapter 49.60 RCW relating to reprisals and retaliatory action, the term “whistleblower” also means:
(i) An employee who in good faith provides information to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section, in connection with an investigation under RCW 42.40.040 and an employee who is believed to have reported asserted improper governmental action to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section, or to have provided information to the auditor or other public official, as defined in subsection (7) of this section, in connection with an investigation under RCW 42.40.040 but who, in fact, has not reported such action or provided such information; or
(ii) An employee who in good faith identifies rules warranting review or provides information to the rules review committee, and an employee who is believed to have identified rules warranting review or provided information to the rules review committee but who, in fact, has not done so.