Physical Therapy Licensing

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, licensure waivers, and recommended guidelines, please go to coronavirus.dc.gov.

Closure of Walk In Services

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. No walk-ins or appointments are allowed. Please submit all applications and supplemental documents via mail to HRLA 1, PO Box 37802, Washington, DC 20013. If you are already in contact with a Health Licensing Specialist (HLS), please forward any documents to said HLS via email.

If you require assistance from the Board of Physical Therapy, please contact Ashley Balma at [email protected].

Licensure Waivers

In response to COVID-19, DC Health has waived all licensure requirements for practitioners who are licensed in good standing in another jurisdiction. You can read more about the waiver process HERE.

Board Meetings Cancelled

Additionally, all health professional board meetings are cancelled for the month of March. For the most up to date information on the District's response to COVID-19, please go to coronavirus.dc.gov.

The Board of Physical Therapy regulates the practice of physical therapy in DC. The Board advises the Mayor and administers and enforces the law. The Board also evaluates applicants' qualifications, administers exams, and recommends standards and procedures. Moreover, the Board issues licenses, receives and reviews complaints, requests investigations, conducts hearings, issues subpoenas, and examines witnesses and administers oaths, and issues an annual report. Members file personal financial disclosure statements.

The Mayor appoints the board members, including the chair. The Board consists of five DC residents: four licensed physical therapists and one consumer. The physical therapists must have been engaged in practice for at least three years preceding appointment. The consumer member must be at least 18 years old, not be a health professional or in training to become one, and may have no household member who is involved directly or indirectly in providing health care. Licenses expire on January 31 of odd years.

The Board meets monthly on the second Wednesday. Please note that meeting dates can change. In 2020, the Board plans to meet on the following dates: