Changes to Health Professions Fees

Under state law, each profession must be self-supporting through the fees that licensees pay. The legislature and the Governor must authorize all fee changes. This approval typically happens in the budget, but can also occur in a bill. After the department receives the approval or requirement, it begins rulemaking to implement the necessary fee changes.

The number of licensees in a profession and the costs to administer the profession affects fees. For more information on the process and how the department determines fees, please view the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

2011 Adopted Fee Increases – Multiple Professions

In 2011, the legislature authorized the department to increase fees for the following professions. The new fees were adopted on October 4, 2011 and are effective December 1, 2011.

• Audiologist
• Chiropractor
• Chiropractic x-ray technician
• Dietitian and Nutritionist
• Health care assistant
• Hearing instrument fitter/dispenser
• Humane society/animal control agency (entity)
• Hypnotherapist
• Nursing home administrator
• Occupational therapist
• Occupational therapy assistant
• Orthotic and Prosthetic
• Pharmacist
• Pharmacy
• Pharmacy intern
• Pharmacy technician
• Psychologist
• Speech language pathologist
• Surgical technologist
• Veterinarian
• Veterinary medical clerk
• Veterinary technician

2011 Adopted Fees – HEAL-WA

In 2011, the legislature passed Senate Substitute Bill 5071 that requires the department to add a fee for the midwifery and marriage and family therapist professions. These two professions now must pay an annual fee to access the HEAL-WA online web portal through the University of Washington. The new fee was adopted on September 20, 2011, and will be effective January 1, 2012.

2010 Adopted Fee Increases

In 2010, the legislature authorized fee increases for the health professions listed below. These fee increases were effective 10/15/10.

• Acupuncturist (East Asian Medicine Practitioner)
• Dentist
• Dental assistant
• Denturist
• Mental health counselor
• Social worker
• Midwife
• Registered nurse
• Licensed practical nurse
• Advanced registered nurse practitioner
• Nursing technician
• Nursing assistant
• Optometrist
• Radiologic technologist (all categories)
• Recreational therapist
• Respiratory care practitioner
• X-Ray technician

To Renew

The renewal notice you receive indicates the total amount due for your profession. The department sends renewal notice approximately 45-60 days before the license expiration date.

The renewal notice is a courtesy and is not required to renew a credential. If you have a renewal notice, please use it. This is the most efficient and accurate way to renew. To renew without a notice, send the renewal payment to us with your name, credential number, current mailing address, and documentation of any other renewal requirements.

For more information, please view the frequently asked questions or contact the Office of Customer Service.

Join one of the profession’s interested party listservs to receive regular updates on the profession including rulemaking activities. View profession licensing A-Z to sign up for your profession’s listserv.

Making Payments

1. Make checks or money orders payable to the Department of Health.
2. Practitioners should include their name, credential number, current mailing address, and any other renewal requirements along with their check or money order.
3. Applicants should include the profession for which they are applying on the check or money order.
4. Send check or money order to:

Department of Health
Health Systems Quality Assurance
P.O. Box 1099
Olympia, WA  98507-1099