A Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) is a clinical staff member that is licensed and permitted by law and the health center to provide care and services without direction or supervision, within the scope of the individual’s license and consistent with individually granted clinical privileges. Examples of these individuals include Physicians, Dentists, Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives.  An Other Licensed or Certified Practitioner (OLCP) is a clinical staff member that is licensed, registered or certified, although is not permitted by law and the health center to provide care and services without supervision. Examples of these individuals include Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Medical Assistants and Registered Dental Assistants.  

The process used to categorize clinical staff as LIPs or OLCPs may vary across states, based on licensure and certification requirements, as well as the scope of practice.  The key to determining the appropriate process to use when credentialing and privileging a Pharmacist is to consider whether the individual is licensed and whether or not they can practice independently.  Although a Pharmacist may require supervision to practice in many states, they do not require supervision to practice in others; therefore, industry standard best practice demonstrates Pharmacists are considered LIPs, due to the scope of licensure and the level of service being provided.  

Health centers should follow the guidance outlined in  Chapter Five of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program Compliance Manual (Compliance Manual Chapter 5) to ensure compliance with HRSA Health Center Program Requirements for Credentialing and Privileging of all clinical staff.