Does an IBCLC need to be a licensed health professional to see patients?
The Scope of Practice for IBCLCs is medically oriented with core competencies and assessment skills as described in the Clinical Competencies for IBCLC Practice, also available as a free download at www.iblce.org. Other health professions that teach and utilize assessment skills include occupational therapists, dietitians, respiratory therapists, and speech pathologists. The lactation consultancy profession has followed the model of the registered nurse and other complementary professions, in developing detailed assessment and skills checklists. IBLCE does not require the candidate to hold another license to be eligible to become a lactation consultant. It is important that employers recognize that the IBCLC certification is the criterion for employing someone in such a position, and that it is not a subspecialty of another health professional license (such as RN). Nonetheless, IBCLC licensure is being sought in some states and countries, because reimbursement for the services provided
