n. 1. (in pharmaceutics) a document that allows a pharmaceutical company to market a particular drug. The company must apply for a licence to the regulatory body that issues them: in the UK this is the *Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. A drug is licensed only for defined uses (indications), which the health-care professional prescribing it should adhere to. 2. (licence to practice) (in general practice) see licensing.
A permission granted to an individual or organization by a competent authority, usually public, to engage lawfully in a practice, occupation or activity. Licensure is the process by which the licence is granted. It is usually granted on the basis of examination and/or proof of education rather than on measures of performance. A licence is usually permanent, but may be conditional on annual payment of a fee, proof of continuing education, or proof of competence. See also “accreditation”.... licence/licensure
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