W. Va. Code § 49-1-203
When used in this chapter, terms defined in this section have the meanings ascribed to them that relate to, but are not limited to, licensing and approval of programs, except in those instances where a different meaning is provided or the context in which the word used clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended.
"Approval" means a finding by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services that a facility operated by the state has met the requirements of legislative rules promulgated for operation of that facility and that a certificate of approval or a certificate of operation has been issued.
"Certification of approval" or "certificate of operation" means a statement issued by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services that a facility meets all of the necessary requirements for operation.
"Certificate of license" means a statement issued by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services authorizing an individual, corporation, partnership, voluntary association, municipality, or county, or any agency thereof, to provide specified services for a limited period of time in accordance with the terms of the certificate.
"Certificate of registration" means a statement issued by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services to a family child care home, informal family child care home, or relative family child care home to provide specified services for a limited period in accordance with the terms of the certificate.
"License" means the grant of official permission to a facility to engage in an activity which would otherwise be prohibited.
"Registration" means the grant of official permission to a family child care home, informal family child care home, or a relative family child care home determined to be in compliance with the legislative rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
"Rule" means legislative rules promulgated by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services or a statement issued by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services of the standards to be applied in the various areas of child care.
"Variance" means a declaration that a rule may be accomplished in a manner different from the manner set forth in the rule.
"Waiver" means a declaration that a certain legislative rule is inapplicable in a particular circumstance.
W. Va. Code § 49-1-203