Entity that is licensed or otherwise authorized by the state to assume risk for offering health insurance or health benefits coverage. The entity is authorized to accept prepaid capitation for providing, arranging, or paying for comprehensive health services under a Medicare+Choice (M+C) contract. Designation that an M+C organization has been reviewed and determined “fully accredited” by a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-approved accrediting organization for those standards within the deeming categories that the accrediting organization has the authority to deem.

Individual who is licensed by the state to render medical care to patients such as physician, registered nurse, and licensed practical nurse.

Doctor who is authorized to perform services within limitations imposed by the state on the scope of practice; issuance by a state of a license to practice medicine constitutes legal authorization.

Individual educated in basic nursing techniques and direct patient care who passes a state board of nursing and has legal authorization (license) to practice. LPNs practice under the supervision of a licensed physician or registered nurse (RN). Also called licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or practical nurse . In California and Texas, licensing is as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). In Canada, an LPN is called a certified nursing assistant .