Who Are Life Care Planners?

Life Care Planners are rehabilitation professionals who document long-term care needs for individuals with serious injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions.

Medical team collaborating in a clinical setting

A Life Care Planner is a healthcare professional trained to assess, research, and document the lifetime medical, therapeutic, and support needs of individuals affected by catastrophic injury or chronic illness. They serve as both clinicians and educators — translating complex medical information into clear, actionable plans used in legal, insurance, and care coordination contexts.

Types of Life Care Planners

CLCP

Certified Life Care Planners (CLCP)

Professionals certified through the International Commission on Health Care Certification (ICHCC). They demonstrate expertise in building comprehensive, evidence-based life care plans used in legal, insurance, and clinical settings.

CNLCP

Certified Nurse Life Care Planners (CNLCP)

Registered nurses with specialized training in life care planning. They bring direct clinical nursing knowledge to the long-term assessment of medical care, medication management, and care coordination needs.

MD / DO

Physician Life Care Planners

Medical doctors who apply their clinical understanding of diagnosis, disease progression, and treatment protocols to develop medically grounded life care plans.

CRC

Rehabilitation Counselors

Certified Rehabilitation Counselors who bring expertise in vocational rehabilitation and disability management. They help address functional limitations, return-to-work considerations, and community reintegration.

OT/L

Occupational Therapists

Licensed OT professionals who specialize in evaluating daily living needs, adaptive equipment requirements, and home modification recommendations as part of a comprehensive life care plan.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists who contribute expertise in mobility, pain management, orthotics, prosthetics, and long-term rehabilitation planning for individuals with physical injuries or conditions.

Common Certifications at a Glance

CLCP Certified Life Care Planner (ICHCC)

CNLCP Certified Nurse Life Care Planner

CRC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

CDMS Certified Disability Management Specialist

CCM Certified Case Manager

OT/L Licensed Occupational Therapist

PT Licensed Physical Therapist

A-CLCP Associate Certified Life Care Planner

Professional holding a certification document

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a life care planner's professional role?

How do standards of practice guide life care planners?

Why is collaboration important for life care planners?

How do life care planners handle regional differences?

How did the life care planning specialty develop?

What makes a life care planner's recommendation trustworthy?

Can any healthcare professional become a life care planner?

Watch: Meet a Life Care Planner

Video coming soon

Find a Qualified Life Care Planner

Browse our directory to connect with certified professionals in your state.

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