The Department of Health (DOH) completed the final launch of the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) on March 24, 2026. HELMS is Washington's new licensing system for all health professionals and facilities.
HELMS replaces the previous licensing system used by DOH. It brings applications, credentialing, and enforcement online through a modern, self-service user portal. The system helps DOH create efficiencies, streamline processing, strengthen data access, and reduce paper-based activities.
HELMS launched in phases:
The March 24, 2026 launch is the most significant update yet. For the first time, HELMS now includes enforcement functionality and specialty programs. This brings all licensing and enforcement functions together in one system.
To prepare for the launch, DOH temporarily paused all licensing and credentialing systems from 5 p.m. on March 18 through the morning of March 24, 2026, to migrate data, update functionality, and install new tools.
Renewal notices and certificates are now digital only. Here is what that means for you:
Take these steps to stay current with HELMS:
Check your email address on file with DOH. You will only receive renewal notices and certificates by email. Log in to your HELMS account through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) to confirm your contact information is up to date.
Keep draft applications active. HELMS automatically removes draft applications that have been inactive for 14 days. Log in regularly to keep your application available.
Check your application or renewal status anytime by logging into your HELMS account and reviewing the status column next to your credentials on the homepage.
For questions or concerns about HELMS, use the following resources: