PROCESSING CENTER Hours:
The Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) Processing Center is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 am – 1 pm, and Wednesday, 9 am - 3:30 pm (except holidays).
Office Hours:
The HRLA Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 am - 4:45 pm (except holidays).
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Change to the Term of License, Certificate and Registration Effective Date June 16, 2024 DC Health has always operated with fixed renewal windows for each profession. In response to feedback from the health professional community, the Director has moved to change the renewal system to align with each licensee’s month of birth. As such, all applicable licenses, certificates, or registrations issued on or after June 16, 2024, will expire on the last day of the birth month of the license holder. This will apply to all new applicants and will become applicable to licensees renewing later this year. For those renewing, this will not take effect until September 2024. For all current holders of a license, certificate, or registration additional information will be provided at a later date. This authority is pursuant to Chapter 40 Section 4006.3 DCMR Chapter 40 General Rules. |
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DC HEALTH has become aware of a PHISHING PHONE SCAM |
Important Notice regarding Paper Applications (select link):
DC Health No Longer Accepting Paper Applications (Beginning June 14, 2021)
ONLINE LICENSING APPLICATIONS
DC Health’s online licensing application system is now LIVE. (See link online.)
The District of Columbia Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) is excited to announce the opening of our new online licensing system. Effective immediately, any healthcare provider who is interested in applying for a new health professional license, or to renew, reinstate, or reactivate an existing license, may do so by going to the below link and submitting an online application. All users are strongly encouraged to review the instructions prior to beginning the process.
https://doh.force.com/dchealthrenewals/s/portal-page
***COVID-19 UPDATES***
COVID-19 Guidance and Best Practices
For the most up to date information on the District's response to COVID-19, including information on best practices and recommended guidelines, please go to coronavirus.dc.gov.
Due to ongoing efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately, the Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) is implementing a 100% telework policy and will be available for mail services only
Please submit supplemental application documents to: DC Board of Optometry, 2201 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020 or to [email protected].
If you require assistance from the Board of Optometry, please contact [email protected]. Individuals may also call the Processing Center at 1 (877) 672-2174 to get an update on their pending applications.
The Board of Optometry regulates the practice of optometry in DC. The Board advises the Mayor and enforces the law. The Board also evaluates applicants' qualifications and administers exams, recommends standards and procedures, and issues licenses. The Board receives and reviews complaints; requests investigations; conducts hearings, issues subpoenas, examines witnesses, and administers oaths; and issues an annual report.
The Mayor appoints the board members, including the chair. The Board consists of five DC residents: four optometrists (who have been engaged in practice for at least three years) and one consumer. The consumer is at least 18 years old, not a health professional or in training to become one, and may have no household members involved in providing health care. Licenses expire on September 30 to March 31 of odd years.
Note: Complete applications are reviewed by the Board of Optometry in-between quarterly meetings. If a completed application reaches the Board during the month of a meeting, it will be reviewed during that meeting.
HYBRID MEETING NOTICE
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board will have a hybrid schedule of in-person and virtual meetings. In-person meetings will be held at 2201 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020. Information on how to access the public portion of the meeting virtually will be listed on the posted Open Session Meeting Agenda. The Board meets quarterly on the third Thursday. Please note that meeting dates can change.
The Board of Optometry meeting dates:
- October 17, 2024 (Virtual)
- January 16, 2025 (In Person & Virtual)
- April 17, 2025 (Virtual)
- July 17, 2025 (In Person & Virtual)
Application Package Documents
- Optometry Application Documents
- Criminal Background Check
- Authorization to Release Information Form (Authorization for the Board to discuss details with a Third party)
License Renewal
- (Closed)
Licensure Search
Discipline
Policy Statements
- Policy Statement on Identifying Public Health Issues for Continuing Education
- Policy Statement for DPA and TPA