Lay practitioners

Lay practitioners are individuals who perform specific professional services, often in healthcare, education, or technical fields, without holding advanced formal qualifications or licenses that typically qualify experts. They have practical experience or training in their area but are not considered fully qualified professionals. Their role often involves supporting or supplementing professional services, such as community health workers, paralegals, or veteran teachers assisting in classrooms. Lay practitioners can provide valuable, accessible assistance and are especially vital in expanding service reach, particularly in underserved or resource-limited settings.