The process by which an agency or government grants permission for practicing a profession by certifying that those licensed have attained the minimal degree of competency necessary to ensure that the public health, safety, and welfare will be reasonably protected. In most instances, also implies that those who are not licensed must not claim the title of a licensed profession.
US the act of licensing a nurse to practise nursing.
In the health care professions, the granting of permission — official, legal, or both — to perform professional actions that may not be legally performed by those who do not have such permission. Qualification for a license in health care is usually determined by an official body representing the state or federal government.