The Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary Community-based Linkages and the federal role in advocating for interprofessional education

Abstract

This article reviews the background, structure, and role of the Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-based Linkages (ACICBL) in the U.S. federal government. The ACICBL's annual reports have consistently addressed interdisciplinary education related to Title VII, Part D-Interdisciplinary, Community-based Linkages programs. The ACICBL is clearly a champion of interdisciplinary/interprofessional education (IPE). ACICBL recommendations since its first report in 2001 have emphasized the need for interdisciplinary/interprofessional initiatives to increase diversity, cultural competence, health disparities, the allied health workforce, the health workforce pipeline, faculty development, rural health workforce, and use of technology for the advancement of interdisciplinary health care. Its most recent report, focusing on the interdisciplinary/IPE of health professions students, faculty, and practitioners, made recommendations around interprofessional faculty development, interprofessional curriculum development, IPE competency development, program evaluation, technology standards, and accreditation standards.