Pharmacists Are Not Mid-Level Providers.

Written by members of the 2021 AACP Professional Affairs Committee, this commentary describes the perspective on why pharmacists should not be classified as "mid-level" providers.  Beyond the connotation that this classification implies that there are different levels or a hierarchy of providers, it is important to recognize that all healthcare providers bring unique and essential knowledge and contributions to the healthcare team and to patients.  Timely issues germane to pharmacists, including dependent and independent practice, provider status, and professional identity also contribute to the rationale that pharmacists, just like all other healthcare providers, should be classified by their professional identity. While use of the term "mid-level" provider to identify various practitioners may not seem consequential in today's healthcare environment, it is important to recognize that words do matter in attributing value, and the contributions of all healthcare providers should be recognized as equally important to the patient care team.