The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program Requirements define LIPs and OLCPs in the following manner:

• Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) – This category of clinical staff includes individuals who are licensed and are 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. 
• Other Licensed or Certified Health Care Practitioner (OLCP) – This category of clinical staff includes individuals who are licensed, registered or certified, although are 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. 

As outlined in the Footnotes Section of the HRSA Health Center Program Site Visit Protocol:  Examples of Credentialing and Privileging Documentation (HRSA Examples of Credentialing and Privileging Documentation), various states may have different scope of practice, as well as licensure and certification requirements, that may impact how the health center categorizes clinical staff.  The key to determining whether a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is an LIP or an OLCP is to consider state law, and whether the individual is licensed and can practice independently. Additionally, the health center should ensure the organization’s Credentialing and Privileging Policy/Procedures are reflective of current practice and accurately reflect the process for credentialing and privileging the various categories of staff.