Who are considered health care professionals?

Health care professionals are individuals who have received specialized education and training in the field of health care, allowing them to diagnose, treat, or manage health conditions. Nurses and physicians are prime examples of health care professionals. They interact directly with patients, providing critical services such as examinations, treatment plans, medication administration, and health education.

Nurses possess expertise in patient care, advocating for patients' needs, and collaborating with other health care team members to ensure quality care. Physicians are responsible for diagnosing illnesses and developing treatment plans based on medical knowledge and clinical expertise. Both professions require licensure and adherence to professional standards, which distinguishes them as health care professionals.

In contrast, patients and their families, while integral to the health care process, do not fit this definition because they are the recipients of care rather than providers. Health care administrators play a vital role in managing the operations of health care facilities, but they are not directly involved in providing patient care. Insurance agents, while they facilitate access to healthcare services through insurance coverage, are not considered health care professionals either, as they do not have the clinical training or responsibilities associated with direct patient care.