District of Columbia Code
Subchapter V - Licensing, Registration, or Certification of Health Professionals
§ 3–1205.04. Additional qualifications of applicants

(a) An individual applying for a license to practice acupuncture under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual:
(1) If he or she is a licensed physician or chiropractor, has successfully completed at least 100 hours of instruction in the practice of acupuncture at a school or college accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, or other training approved by the Board; or
(2) If he or she is not a licensed physician, has successfully completed an educational program in the practice of acupuncture of at least 3 academic years at the post-baccalaureate level at a school or college accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, or other training approved by the Board.
(a-1)(1) An individual applying for a license to practice as an anesthesiologist assistant under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual has:
(A) Earned a degree or certification from an anesthesiologist assistant program accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs, or by the commission’s successor;
(B) Successfully completed the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs National Certification Exam for Anesthesiologist Assistants, or an examination administered by its successor; and
(C) Successfully completed and has current certification for the Advanced Cardiac Life Support program as administered by the American Heart Association or its successor organization.
(2) An application for licensure as an anesthesiologist assistant may be filed by an individual who has taken the national certification examination required under paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection but not yet received the results.
(b) An individual applying for a license to practice chiropractic under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Chiropractic that the individual:
(1) Is a graduate of an educational program in the practice of chiropractic of at least 4 academic years at a college of chiropractic accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education or the Straight Chiropractic Academic Standards Association, or approved by the Board of Chiropractic; and
(2) Has satisfied any clinical experience established by rule.
(c) An individual applying for a license to practice dental hygiene under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Dentistry that the individual is a graduate of an educational program in the practice of dental hygiene of at least 2 academic years which is approved by the Board.
(d) An individual applying for a license to practice dentistry under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Dentistry that the individual is a graduate of a school of dentistry accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
(d-1) An individual applying for a certificate to practice as a doula under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual has:
(1) Completed a training program from a nationally or internationally recognized certifying body, approved by the Department of Health for training doulas;
(2) Participated in a minimum of 3 births (either vaginal or cesarean);
(3) A current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification for both adults and infants; and
(4) Satisfied any other requirements as determined by rules issued pursuant to § 3-1203.02.
(d-2) An individual applying for a license to practice massage therapy under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Massage Therapy that the individual has successfully completed a minimum of 500 hours of training in massage therapy.
(e) An individual applying for a license to practice medicine under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual is a graduate of an accredited school of medicine and has completed at least 1 year of residency in a hospital or other health-care facility licensed by the District or by any state.
(e-1)(1) An individual applying for a license to practice naturopathic medicine under this chapter shall:
(A) Establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual has earned a degree of doctor of naturopathic medicine from a college or university which at the time of the awarding of the degree was accredited by or a candidate for accreditation with:
(i) The Council of Naturopathic Medical Education (“CNME”), so long as the CNME maintains recognition from the United States Department of Education; or
(ii) Any other accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education;
(B) Have successfully passed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (“NPLEX”) basic science examination and clinical science examination sections administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners, or other examination approved by the Board of Medicine or the Mayor; and
(C) Provide proof of a mailing address demonstrating that the applicant either is a District resident or has an office or location of practice involved in the practice of naturopathic medicine in the District. Post office boxes are not sufficient proof of residency to demonstrate that an applicant either is a District resident or has an office or location of practice in the District for the purposes of this subparagraph.
(2) The Board of Medicine shall not waive the educational requirements for licensure to practice naturopathic medicine for persons registered to practice naturopathy or naturopathic healing.
(e-2) An individual applying for a license to practice nursing under this chapter who was previously licensed in any jurisdiction and has not been actively practicing for 5 years or more shall submit proof of having completed a board-approved refresher course.
(f)(1) An individual applying for a license to practice nursing home administration under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Long-Term Care Administration that the individual:
(A) Has earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited 4-year institution of higher education with a specialty in the courses or program of study applicable to the practice of nursing home administration; and
(B) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, has worked for at least 1 year in a nursing home licensed in the District under the supervision of a licensed nursing home administrator.
(2) The requirement of paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection shall not apply to an applicant who has earned a master’s degree in nursing home administration or other appropriate specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.
(g)(1) An individual applying for a license to practice occupational therapy under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Occupational Therapy that the individual:
(A) Has successfully completed an entry-level occupational therapy educational program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (“ACOTE”); and
(B) Has successfully completed a period of at least 6 months of supervised work experience at an accredited educational institution or program approved by an accredited educational institution.
(2)(A) An individual applying for a license to practice as an occupational therapy assistant under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Occupational Therapy that the individual has successfully completed an occupational therapy assistant educational program accredited by ACOTE; and.
(B) Has successfully completed a period of at least 2 months of supervised work experience at an accredited educational institution or program approved by an accredited educational institution.
(3) Repealed.
(h) An individual applying for a license to practice optometry under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Optometry that the individual is a graduate of a school of optometry approved by the Board.
(i) An individual applying for a license to practice pharmacy under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Pharmacy that the individual:
(1) Has earned a degree in pharmacy from a college or school of pharmacy accredited by the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education; and
(2) Has worked as a pharmacy intern in a pharmacy for the period of time required by the Mayor or has gained other equivalent experience the Mayor may permit by rule.
(j)(1) An individual applying for a license to practice physical therapy under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Physical Therapy that the individual has successfully completed an educational program in the practice of physical therapy which is accredited by an agency recognized for that purpose by the United States Department of Education, or which is approved by the Board.
(2) An individual applying for a license to practice as a physical therapy assistant under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Physical Therapy that the individual has successfully completed an educational program in physical therapy appropriate for preparation as a physical therapy assistant that is accredited by an agency recognized for that purpose by the United States Department of Education or is approved by the Board of Physical Therapy.
(k) An individual applying for a license to practice as a physician assistant under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual has successfully completed a physician assistant educational program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation.
(l) An individual applying for a license to practice podiatry under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Podiatry that the individual is a graduate of a podiatry college recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association and approved by the Board.
(m) An individual applying for a license to practice practical nursing under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Nursing that the individual has successfully completed an educational program in practical nursing that is approved by the Board or by a state board of nursing with standards substantially equivalent to the standards of the District of Columbia.
(n) An individual applying for a license to practice registered nursing under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Nursing that the individual has successfully completed an educational program in registered nursing approved by the Board or by a state board of nursing with standards substantially equivalent to the standards of the District.
(o) An individual applying for a license to practice psychology under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Psychology that the individual has:
(1)(A) Earned a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited college or university; or
(B) Earned a doctoral degree that the Board determines is related to psychology, provided that the application is received by the Board within 2 years from March 25, 1986; and
(i) The applicant commenced the doctoral program after March 24, 1978, but before March 25, 1986; or
(ii) The doctoral degree was conferred on the applicant after March 24, 1983, but before March 25, 1986; and
(2) Completed at least 2 years of experience acceptable to the Board, at least one year of which must be postdoctoral experience.
(p) An individual applying for a license to practice respiratory therapy under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Respiratory Therapy that the individual has successfully completed a respiratory care educational program accredited by the American Medical Association’s Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (“CAHEA”) in collaboration with the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education (“JRCRTE”) or their successor organizations.
(q) An individual applying for a license to practice as a surgical assistant under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual has:
(A) Earned a degree or certification from a surgical assistant program accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs, or by the commission’s successor;
(B) Successfully completed a dedicated training program for surgical assistants in the armed forces; or
(C) Demonstrated to the satisfaction of the board, the completion of full-time work experience performed in the United States under the direct supervision of a physician licensed in the United States and consisting of a least 1,300 hours of performance as a surgical assistant within the 3 years preceding the date of application; and
(D) Was certified as a surgical assistant by at least one of the following:
(i) The National Surgical Assistant Association;
(ii) The American Board of Surgical Assistants; or
(iii) The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
(r) An individual applying for a license to practice as a trauma technologist under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual has:
(1) Successfully completed courses and training in anatomy and physiology, respiratory and cardiac care, wound treatment and closure, treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and burns, and other clinical aspects of emergency medical care from a trauma technology training program approved by the Board;
(2) Successfully completed the written and practical examinations for trauma technologists within 12 months after completing the trauma technology training program; and
(3)(A) Successfully completed and provided evidence of course completion of a life support training course, which includes all adult, child, and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway obstruction skills, from an agency approved by the Board, which teaches these skills in accordance with the current American Heart Association Guidelines for Basic Life Support at the health care provider level;
(B) Successfully completed and provided evidence of completion of a dedicated training program for trauma technologists in the armed forces and has been performing the functions of trauma technologists for at least 5 years before the date of application for licensure; or
(C) Demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Board the completion of full-time work experience performed in the United States or Canada under the direct supervision of an emergency room physician licensed in the United States or Canada and consisting of at least 1,300 hours of performance as a trauma technologist in a Level 1 trauma facility as designated by the Director of the Department of Health pursuant to Chapters 27 and 28 of Subtitle B of Title 22 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (22-B DCMR § 2700 et seq. and § 2800 et seq.), within the 3 years preceding the date of application for licensure.
(s)(1) An individual applying for a license to practice as an athletic trainer under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual has:
(A) Successfully obtained at least a baccalaureate degree from a 4-year college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized for that purpose by the United States Department of Education and has met the minimum athletic training curriculum requirements established by the Mayor by rulemaking;
(B) Successfully completed the certification examination administered by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification, or its successor, or an equivalent organization approved or recognized by the Board of Medicine; and
(C) Successfully completed any other requirements for licensure as determined by rules issued pursuant to § 3-1203.02.
(2) The Board of Medicine shall waive the requirement of a baccalaureate degree for an applicant holding a license, certification, or registration, in good standing, in another state to engage in the practice of athletic training, if that state maintains qualifications for licensure, certification, or registration that are substantially equivalent to those required in the District, and gives similar reciprocity to the licensees of the District.
(t)(1) An individual applying for a license to practice midwifery under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Medicine that the individual:
(A) Holds a current certification as a certified professional midwife issued by the North American Registry of Midwives ("NARM") or its successor organization;
(B) Has successfully completed a midwifery education and training program, either through an accredited educational program or non-accredited educational program; except, that an individual who has successfully completed an educational program accredited by NARM shall be deemed to have completed an accredited educational program;
(C) Is at least 21 years of age by the date of the licensure application;
(D) Has completed a criminal history background check in accordance with § 3-1205.22;
(E) That the individual holds a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification for healthcare providers issued by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association; and
(F) That the individual holds a current neonatal resuscitation program certification issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
(2) Beginning October 1, 2020, individuals seeking a license to practice midwifery shall:
(A) Successfully complete an educational pathway accredited by MEAC;
(B) In the event an individual has successfully completed a non-accredited education pathway and obtained the individual's CPM credential prior to October 1, 2020, the individual must obtain an MBC to be eligible for licensure as a certified professional midwife and complete:
(i) Fourteen hours of obstetric emergency skills training such as birth emergency skills training or an advanced life-saving in obstetrics course; and
(ii) A course in pharmacology approved by NARM or an accredited university or program to be eligible for licensure a certified professional midwife; or
(C) In the event an individual is licensed to practice midwifery in a state that does not require the successful completion of an accredited educational pathway as a prerequisite to obtain a license to practice midwifery, the individual shall have been licensed for at least one year prior to attempting to obtain an MBC from NARM to practice in the District.
(u) An individual applying for a license to practice certified midwifery under this chapter shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board of Nursing that the individual:
(1) Holds a valid graduate degree in midwifery from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education or its successor organization;
(2) Has successfully passed the certification exam from the American Midwifery Certification Board or its successor organization;
(3) Is at least 21 years of age by the date of the licensure application;
(4) Has completed a criminal history background check in accordance with § 3-1205.22; and
(5) Has successfully completed any other requirements for licensure as determined by rules issued pursuant to § 3-1203.02.
(Mar. 25, 1986, D.C. Law 6-99, § 504, 33 DCR 729; Mar. 14, 1995, D.C. Law 10-203, § 2(f), 41 DCR 7707; Mar. 14, 1995, D.C. Law 10-205, § 2(e), 41 DCR 7712; Mar. 21, 1995, D.C. Law 10-231, § 2(e), 42 DCR 15; Mar. 23, 1995, D.C. Law 10-247, § 2(i)-(k), 42 DCR 457; July 8, 2004, D.C. Law 15-172, § 2(f), 51 DCR 4938; Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-237, § 2(g), 51 DCR 10593; Mar. 6, 2007, D.C. Law 16-220, § 2(d), 53 DCR 10216; Mar. 6, 2007, D.C. Law 16-228, § 2(g), 53 DCR 10244; July 7, 2009, D.C. Law 18-11, § 2(c), 56 DCR 3602; July 7, 2009, D.C. Law 18-14, § 2(d), 56 DCR 3613; July 7, 2009, D.C. Law 18-18, § 2(d), 56 DCR 3624; July 18, 2009, D.C. Law 18-26, § 2(e)(4), 56 DCR 4043; Jan. 25, 2014, D.C. Law 20-64, § 2(f), 60 DCR 16533; Mar. 26, 2014, D.C. Law 20-96, § 102(m), 61 DCR 1184; Apr. 11, 2019, D.C. Law 22-300, § 2(d), 66 DCR 2024; June 17, 2020, D.C. Law 23-97, § 2(d), 67 DCR 3912; Dec. 29, 2021, D.C. Law 24-46, § 2(d)(2), 68 DCR 011642; Sept. 21, 2022, D.C. Law 24-170, § 3(d), 69 DCR 009207.)
1981 Ed., § 2-3305.4.
This section is referenced in § 3-1205.03, § 3-1205.09a, § 3-1206.42, § 3-1206.52, and § 3-1209.03.
D.C. Law 15-172 added subsec. (e-1).
D.C. Law 15-237 added subsec. (a-1).
D.C. Law 16-220, in subsec. (j), designated existing text as par. (1), and added par. (2).
D.C. Law 16-228 added subsec. (q).
D.C. Law 18-11, in subsec. (g), rewrote pars. (1)(A) and (2)(A) and repealed par. (3).
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-64 added (r).
The 2014 amendment by D.C. Law 20-96 substituted “Board of Long-Term Care Administration” for “Board of Nursing Home Administration” in (f)(1); and added the subsection designated herein as (s).
Section 7078 of D.C. Law 23-149 repealed section 6 of D.C. Law 23-97 removing the applicability provision impacting this section. Therefore, the amendment of this section by Law 23-97 has been implemented.
Applicability of D.C. Law 23-97: § 6 of D.C. Law 23-97 provided that the change made to this section by § 2(d) of D.C. Law 23-97 is subject to the inclusion of the law’s fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan. Therefore that amendment has not been implemented.
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2(e)(4) of Health Occupations Revision General Amendment Emergency Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-146, July 28, 2009, 56 DCR 6308).
Section 5 of D.C. Law 23-97 provided that the Mayor, pursuant to Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue rules to implement the provisions of D.C. Law 23-97.