ABA Family Legal Guide

Health-Care Law

Regulating Health-Care Professionals

Licensing of Doctors, Nurses, and Hospitals

Who needs a license?

That varies by state. In general, states will license chiropractors, dentists, doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, nurses, optometrists, psychologists, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and clinical social workers. Some states may also decide to license hearing aid dispensers, eyeglass and contact lens dispensers, clinical laboratory technologists, and midwives. Many states also require homeopaths and naturopaths to be licensed.