Membership Categories

There are seven membership categories: Distinguished Practitioners, Distinguished Scholars, Distinguished Public Policy Fellows, Honorary Fellows, Affiliate Members, Associate Members, and Emeritus Members.

Distinguished Practitioners
Elected individuals who have spent a significant portion of their professional career in the practice and direct delivery of health care services. Inductees are judged by distinguished peers to have made enduring contributions in their profession.

Distinguished Scholars
Elected for their academic achievements such as significant and enduring educational and/or research contribution to practice. Inductees are judged by distinguished peers to have made significant and enduring contributions in their profession.

Distinguished Public Policy Fellows
Elected individuals who have made a significant and enduring public policy contribution to healthcare practice. Inductees are judged by distinguished peers.

Honorary Fellows

Elected individuals who are judged by their Academies and the Council to have made a significant and enduring non-professional contribution to healthcare practice.

Affiliate members

Elected individuals who are Distinguished Practitioners, Scholars, or Public Policy Fellows but are not citizens of the United States. Affiliate members who attain United States citizenship may advance to their appropriate category provided a membership opening exists in their home Academy.

Associate members

Healthcare providers from any field who take interest in interdisciplinary healthcare issues. Many are junior practitioners or scholars with sufficient credentials to indicate promising careers in practice, education, research, or public policy. Associate members do not receive the prized NAP medallions or certificates and do not enjoy the full benefits of distinguished membership.

Emeritus members

Are Distinguished Practitioners, Scholars or Public Policy Fellows who, upon retirement and the recommendation of their home Academy, may be voted by the Council to the title of Emeritus member.