Occupational 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 Occupational Therapy, please contact Mavis Azariah 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.

Virtual Board Meetings

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all board meetings will be held virtually during the declared public health emergency. Information on how to access the public portion of the meeting is listed on the Open Session Agenda.

The Board of Occupational Therapy regulates occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in DC. The Board also advises the Mayor. The Board evaluates applicants' qualifications, recommends standards and procedures, and issues licenses. The Board also receives and reviews complaints; requests investigations, conducts hearings, and issues subpoenas; examines witnesses and administers oaths; and issues an annual report. Members must file personal financial disclosure statements.

The Mayor appoints the board members, including the chair. The Board consists of five DC residents: three licensed occupational therapists, one occupational therapy assistant, and one consumer. The therapists must have been engaged in practice for at least three years preceding appointment. The consumer 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 in providing health care. Licenses expire on September 30 of odd years.Board of Occupational Therapy Meeting Repeats Every Month on March, June, September, December on the third Monday.

The Board meets quarterly on the third Monday. Please note that meeting dates can change. In 2020, the Board plans to meet on the following dates: