Licensure of Healthcare Professionals


Summary

This practice note discusses the licensing of healthcare professionals by state agencies. Every state has a system for the licensing of healthcare professionals. State licensing laws specify the minimum qualifications an individual must possess in order to practice a profession. State licensure statutes also set penalties for those who seek to practice without appropriate licensure and define the circumstances under which a license to practice may be limited, suspended, or revoked. Both legal and risk management considerations require the healthcare facility to ensure that professionals practicing there are properly licensed and do not exceed the scope of their licensure in the course of their professional activities.