A license is a permit granted by a government to carry out a regulated activity. Licensing is the most common form and method of health regulation. Most licensing in the United States is done by the states under their police powers. A state legislature must pass a law requiring a license to engage in a specific activity, such as practicing medicine or preparing food. The statute delegates the power to establish the conditions for licensure to an agency such as a department of health, or to a board such as a board of medical examiners. The agency publishes the conditions for licensure, which are often based on national codes, and every license holder must meet these standards. A license holder can be required to give up certain legal rights as a condition of licensure, such as agreeing to allow inspectors into a restaurant without a warrant. A license can be revoked or limited for not complying with the terms of licensure.

EDWARD P. RICHARDS

(SEE ALSO: Legislation and Regulation; Police Powers; Public Health and the Law)