Licensure is defined as an agency/governmental body awarding permission to an individual or institution meeting qualifications.

• A. Accredits hospitals
• B. A professional association's approval
• C. Grants permission to practice to individuals meeting qualifications
• D. Non-governmental certification

Answer: (C)

Licensure is the legal authorization, typically from a government or official agency, to practice a profession or operate within a field, granted only after the individual demonstrates meeting specific qualifications. This makes it a required, legally binding permission to practice in a jurisdiction. Accreditation, by contrast, focuses on endorsing the quality of an organization (like a hospital) rather than granting the right to practice. Certification, usually voluntary and issued by a professional or certifying body, signals competency but isn’t necessarily legally required to work. Non-governmental certification may be offered by private organizations and may not confer legal permission to practice. The statement matches licensure’s core idea: official permission to practice for those who meet the necessary qualifications.