HPLA supports the Health Occupations Boards in regulating the practice of over 50,000 licensees in more than twenty-two (22) professions and occupations. For each profession or occupation, licensing examinations are required to assure that licensees meet established education and training standards as well as to measure the licensee’s knowledge, skills, and ability to safely practice their profession or occupation. Conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and restricting, suspending, or revoking licenses when generally accepted standards of practice, conduct, or safety are not met furthers the enforcement of District laws and public protection. In addition to licensing and regulating individuals, the Board of Nursing is also responsible for accrediting educational schools and programs for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses in the District of Columbia.

The boards are empowered to determine the qualifications necessary to obtain licensure, to regulate the standards of conduct for their profession, to review complaints against licensees, and to take disciplinary action as they deem appropriate. The boards meet regularly on a monthly basis, with a few boards meeting quarterly. At each meeting the boards make licensing, regulation, and disciplinary decisions in conformance with their statutory authority. There are 110 board members who serve on eighteen (18) boards and five (5) registration programs. Board members give generously of their time and expertise when serving on these boards.

The staff of HPLA effectively administers the licensing programs, provides information to the public and licensees, and provides administrative and staff support to the boards, as well as manages the day-to-day business of the boards.