DC HEALTH HAS MOVED!
On February 23, 2024, the DC Department of Health (DC Health) relocated.
The Health Regulation and Licensing Administration's
Processing Center and other offices are located at:
DC Health
2201 Shannon Place SE
Washington, DC 20020
(The new building is 0.3 miles from the Anacostia Metro)
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).
If you require assistance from the Board of Occupational Therapy, please contact the Board at [email protected]
Online License Application (New and Renewal)
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RENEWAL NOTICE
Please note that due to the large number of licensees seeking renewal and the need to complete the required review (of criminal background check, etc.), the issuance of the renewed license is taking longer than expected.
Licensees who submit the renewal application before the expiration date of the license/certification/registration (September 30, 2025) are permitted to continue to work while their application is pending. Currently, DC Health is processing the renewal applications from a number of licensees who applied timely for the renewal of their licenses. The subject matters under review vary from Continuing Education compliance to disciplinary history. It is possible that these reviews will continue after the expiration date of September 30, 2025. However, when the renewal applications are approved, the licenses will be renewed and active as of October 1, 2025.
Individuals who have applied for their renew prior to the September 30, 2025 deadline, their status will be “Renewal in process – review pending”. For those who apply after the deadline, their status will be “Expired - renewal eligible".
Licensees may not work beyond November 30, 2025, without an active license.
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Term of License, Certificate, and Registration – Effective June 16, 2024 DC Health is transitioning all professional licenses, certificates, and registrations to a birth‑month renewal cycle. All credentials issued on or after June 16, 2024, will expire on the last day of the holder’s birth month. This will also apply to renewing licensees beginning September 2024.
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Criminal Background Check (CBC) Requirement Effective immediately, all applicants will be required to complete a new CBC for each application submitted. Please select link below to access notice from DC Health regarding the CBC requirement: |
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FBI Warns Individuals Employed in the Health Care Industry of the Ongoing Scam - FBI fbi.gov |
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LICENSURE WAIVER PERIOD HAS ENDED: |
Please review the application checklist and regulations before applying for a license.
DC Municipal Regulations for Occupational Therapy
DC Municipal Regulations for Occupational Therapy Assistants
Recreational Therapy Checklist
DC Municipal Regulations for Recreational Therapy
DC Municipal Regulations for Dance Therapy
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.
The District of Columbia Department of Health Systems and Preparedness Administration is excited to announce the opening of our new online licensing system. Effective immediately, any healthcare provider interested in applying for a new health professional license or renewing, reinstating, or reactivating an existing license may do so by going to the above link and submitting an online application. All users are strongly encouraged to review the instructions before beginning the process.
Updates: Individuals may call the Processing Center at 1 (877) 672-2174 to get an update on their pending applications.
The DC Board of Rehabilitative Therapies regulates the practice of occupational therapy. The Board advises the Mayor and administers and enforces the law. The Board also evaluates applicants' qualifications, administers exams, recommends standards and procedures, issues licenses; receives and reviews complaints; requests investigations, conduct hearings, and issues subpoenas.
The Board is appointed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the council. The Board consists of elevan members. Professional members must be licensed in the District and have been engaged in practice for at least three years preceding the appointment. The consumer member must be at least 18 years old, with no affiliation with any of the professions under the Board of Rehabilitative Therapies.
Continuing Education Adjustment During Transition
All Boards have approved acceptance of 50% of the Continuing Education (CE) requirements for licensees who have received less than two (2) years on their license term during this transition period. This applies only to this one‑time transition into the birth‑month renewal cycle. License holders are still responsible for the two (2) LGBTQ Cultural Competency and the 10% Public Health Priorities.
Application Package
Additional Information
Continuing Education
Licensure Search
Verifications
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Policy Statements
- 2025 Public Notice Identifying Public Health Issus for Continuing Education Effective October 1, 2025
- Policy Statement on Telepractice
Regulations
- DC Municipal Regulations for Occupational Therapy
- DC Municipal Regulations for Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Health Occupations Revision Act
Discipline
Helpful Links