Health Care Access Bureau

The Health Care Access Bureau:

Improves access to and utilization of high-quality, whole person-centered healthcare for all who live, work and play in the District by:
- Working with primary care providers and other stakeholders to develop new models of care to improve the quality or consistency of preventive services.
- Increasing the number, retention and accessibility of primary medical care and dental care providers for low-income residents.
Promotes timely immunization of DC children and adults by:
- Increasing access to immunizations;
- Working with residents and communities to understand the value of immunizations;
- Tracking and reporting on vaccine administration and immunization coverage.

DC Primary Care Office (DC PCO)

Conducts a Primary Care Needs Assessment to determine what types of healthcare providers are needed and where, who accesses primary healthcare and where and designates Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs).
Manages the DC Health Professional Loan Repayment Program, which recruits and retains healthcare providers serving in shortage areas or residents with low incomes.
Operates the DC 30/J-1 Visa Waiver Program to help recruit health care professionals from other countries to expand the pool of available healthcare providers.
Assists local health care practices and systems seeking to recruit health care providers serving in the National Health Service Corps.
Brings together leaders, community members and thinkers to identify key issues, potential solutions and drive change to strengthen our healthcare workforce.
Identifies innovative solutions to improve the healthcare system and supports pilots to test these solutions locally.
The Oral Health Program works to improve access to and utilization of high-quality dental care through:
- School-Based Oral Health Program – DC Health partners with schools to bring dental providers to schools to provide care for students who are not otherwise able to visit the dentist.
- Senior Dental Services Program – DC Health partners with local community health centers to provide free or low-cost dental care for seniors who otherwise could not access this care.

Maintains District of Columbia Immunization Information System (DOCIIS), the District’s registry of vaccination records for District residents, including routine childhood vaccinations and vaccinations against COVID-19 and influenza.
Administers the federal Vaccines for Children program in the District of Columbia, which provides free vaccines for children who are uninsured, underinsured or enrolled in Medicaid
Provides data and other support to schools and licensed childcare development centers so that they can comply with District immunization requirements.
Works to provide clear, accurate information to District residents and leaders about vaccinations and the important role vaccines play in preventing illness.

Health Care Access Bureau (HCAB)
DC Health
2201 Shannon Place SE, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 442-5925