What terminology does HFAP use instead of "allied health professionals"?

The term "non-physician practitioners" is the terminology that HFAP (Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program) uses to refer to what is commonly known as "allied health professionals." This choice encompasses various professionals who deliver healthcare and are not physicians, which includes nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, and more.

Using "non-physician practitioners" emphasizes the role these individuals play in the healthcare team, highlighting their contributions to patient care and the healthcare system as a whole. The terminology aligns with HFAP's standards and guidelines which focus on recognizing the diverse roles that healthcare providers play in delivering effective patient care.

Other options present different concepts within healthcare but do not specifically capture the same meaning. "Healthcare Providers" can include all professionals who deliver care, not just those who are allied. "Clinical Assistants" refers specifically to roles that assist clinicians but do not cover the broader range of non-physician practitioners. "Care Team Members" is also a broader term that may include non-clinical roles as well as clinical roles, lacking the specificity that "non-physician practitioners" provides. Thus, the chosen term accurately reflects the specific category of professionals that HFAP recognizes.