def _get_name(applicant):
    """
    The <person> element is nested in the <name> element and contains fields
    that identify the subject in the request.
    """
    person = {'person': {'first': applicant['first_name'], 'last':
        applicant['last_name']}}
    mid_name = applicant.get('middle_name')
    if mid_name:
        person['person']['middle'] = mid_name
    return person
