Barbara, as usual you bring up a point worthy of lengthy discussion! I, personally, believe licensure is vital to our survival as credible professionals. I know that there are folks who know all too well the headaches licensure can bring (and they should post their concerns here on Lactnet!). On the other hand, in Massachusetts (where I practice) hairdressers have to be licensed. The state requires that beauticians show proof that they have met the standards set for their profession. While this presents an extra layer of bureaucracy, it also helps winnow out those who may not meet locally established standards of practice. (And provides an avenue to question the practice of individuals who may not live up to the standard.) However, those of us who see a potential benefit to licensure must be careful to shepherd the creation of state standards. In some areas there is strong support that LC license should require RN as well. Did IBLCE do a study or survey about this a few years back? Seems like it was a lively subject at a past ILCA conference... Margery Wilson, IBCLC Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, MA USA