WSMTA

03/19/2026

HELMS Newsletter

Welcome back to HELMS Reach, the monthly newsletter from the Department of Health’s (DOH) HELMS Project!

HELMS Enforcement+ (R3) is launching on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. All licensing and credentialing systems will be down for this launch from Wednesday, March 18, at 5 p.m. PT until the morning of Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Professionals and facilities that have licenses expiring in this time period, please read below on how to avoid any impacts to your licensure.

HELMS Release 3
We’re nearing the eve of the project’s final major release. Release 3 will integrate enforcement functionality, additional programs, and credentials to HELMS. This launch will bring as much of the licensing and enforcement work as possible into a single, unified system to centralize processing, reduce paper-based activities, and increase the information and updates available to customers and licensees. After the launch on Tuesday, March 24, our teams will focus entirely on addressing users’ needs and working toward system stabilization during the hypercare period. We’ll follow that with a return to our maintenance and operations practices that provide regular system updates in response to changes in the authorizing environment, such as policy implementation and credential changes.

Director’s Corner
An update from the HELMS Project Director, Ratna Craig
Image of Ratna Craig
Aided by the momentum of our previous releases and the commitment of all our staff, teams, and key interest holders, we are entering into the final leg of the HELMS Project. The launch of R3 is near, and work remains in hypercare. We also know and are tracking the work scheduled for HELMS for the foreseeable future. The system is now on solid footing with the capacity to meet the needs of Washington state’s health care providers and facilities.

I am particularly proud of this final launch because it includes programs that have not been represented in the digital credentialing systems before. This project has had many ambitious goals, and we’ve met many of them; creating a comprehensive, representative home for health system quality assurance feels the most significant when I look back at this modernization project.

Most HELMS users will not notice big changes to their accounts with this final release. The integration of enforcement functionality is a significant piece of the Department of Health’s commitment to Washington’s health care infrastructure. This release means that complaint intake and enforcement case processing will be more accessible and transparent for all parties. HELMS will change how work is done – and we appreciate the partnership with all R3 stakeholders who have leaned into training, shared feedback, and sought ways to make this a better product.

As we begin this final credential freeze and the launch process, we again ask for your patience and support as we work through the challenges that come with any launch. My gratitude to everyone who has helped us get to this important milestone!

Supporting You with Change
A deep dive into important topics
March Credentialing Freeze for R3

During this freeze, DOH teams will have access to critical information, but will not update or process applications. If you have a credential that will be up for renewal during the freeze, please renew now to avoid delays. Outreach to licensees whose licenses expire during the freeze continues to be sent directly to them.

If you have received a renewal notice by mail, you are welcome to submit your renewal; it will be backdated to the date it was received. If you would like to pay for your application or renewal fees during the freeze, you can do so by reaching the customer service center for your profession.

Please note the HSQA Office of Customer Service will not be available on Monday, March 23, 2026, due to staff training.
Provider Credential Search and other public searches will be available but will not be updated during the 5-day freeze. Customers can still use the complaint form on Provider Credential Search during and after the freeze.

Updates to Your HELMS Account Landing Page

From Tuesday, March 24, 2026, onward, HELMS portal users may notice a couple of new additions to their HELMS account landing page. We’ve highlighted them in the screenshot below with red rectangles. First, there is a new button to access Provider Credential Search, easily from within your account at the top of the page on the right-hand side with a magnifying glass icon. And in the blue navigation bar below that, there will be additional options, including Cases and Complaints, where any enforcement-related matters will be located. You can also see, Training and Education Programs, and J-1 Visa have also been added to the navigation bar for licensees who utilize those programs.

User Account Landing Page for R3
Insights & Updates
What to expect and what's coming up
Public Search Updates: Provider Credential Search and the other search tools provided by the Department of Health will be updated with this third launch. The updates will be primarily visual; the searches will match the HELMS portal's colors and layout. Searches will remain fully accessible to the public but will be consolidated into a single URL. We’ve summarized the updates below.

What’s new?
All searches will be located at one URL with separate tabs.
Searches will have the same color and styles as your HELMS user portal.
An education Programs search tool has been added for training credentials.
Open and closed enforcement case counts will be added to each provider’s details page.
The details page will include credential-specific information, such as endorsements.
What’s the same?
The source of the data remains the same.
Nursing credentials (ARNPs, RNs, and LPNs) should still use NURSYS as their primary tool.
Home Care Aides must use the exact credential number or exact combination of first and last name in accordance with the RCW.
Searches will still have CAPTCHA tools to prevent data mining and scraping. Data mining and scraping negatively impact the functionality of these tools and interrupt their availability. Please refrain from using those tools on Provider Credential Search or other search tools.
What’s right for you?
The search tools provided by the Department of Health are important resources for health care providers, systems, and employers. The search tools are intended for specific and immediate searches. If you use these searches often or need large volumes of data, we encourage you to use the State of Washington's Open Data Portal for regular data downloads.
Question of the Month
Each month, we’ll be sharing the most common questions and answers that we encounter regarding HELMS.

What do I do if my credential expired during the March Credentialing Freeze?
Contact the customer service office for your credential type on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Chiropractor and chiropractic X-ray related credentials
Phone 360-236-2822 Email: cqac@doh.wa.gov
Physician and physician assistant related credentials
Phone 360-236-2750 Email: licensing@wmc.wa.gov
ARNP, RN, LPN, nursing tech, and nursing education programs
Phone: 360-236-4703 Email: nursing@doh.wa.gov
All other credentials
Phone: 360-236-4700 Email: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov


Stay Connected
We hope you find this newsletter informative and helpful. Your feedback and questions are always welcome—please don't hesitate to reach out to us at HELMS@doh.wa.gov.

Send a message to learn more

03/06/2026

Learn about HELMS Final Release!
03/04/2026

You're Invited!
HELMS R3 Open Information Sessions

Learn More About HELMS R3
The Washington State Department of Health is excited to announce the final launch of our new licensing system, HELMS, on March 24, 2026. The third release will integrate enforcement functionality into the system for the first time, migrate data, and install new tools for staff and customers.

To share more information about this release of HELMS and preview what the system will look like for health professionals and facilities, we’re hosting three open information sessions ahead of the launch. These sessions are open to health professionals and employees of health facilities, as well as partner boards and commissions.

Each session will have the same agenda, and we invite attendees to bring and ask questions. This will not be a formal training; instructional content will follow after HELMS launches.

Agenda:

What is included in HELMS R3?
What do health professionals and facilities need to know about the release?
An overview of updates to public search tools
Q&A
Register Today
To attend, please use the following registration links for your preferred session. Registration is required, and each session has a limit of 500 attendees due to webinar restrictions.

Thursday, March 5 from 12 - 12:45 p.m. PT
Wednesday, March 11 from 8 - 8:45 p.m. PT
Tuesday, March 17 from 4 - 4:45 p.m. PT
For more information on HELMS, please visit DOH.wa.gov/HELMS.

Don't Forget
Before the launch of HELMS, there will be a licensing system freeze. All licensing and credentialing systems for health professionals and facilities will be unavailable from Wednesday, March 18, at 5 p.m. until the morning of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to complete system upgrades. If you have an expiration date between March 19-24, 2026, renew now to avoid delays!

Send a message to learn more

03/06/2026

Mid-March Licensing Freeze
Renew early to avoid delays and stay licensed to practice



To help avoid any last-minute stress with your massage therapy license renewal this spring, WSMTA is informing you about an upcoming licensing system freeze. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is rolling out a major upgrade to its licensing system, and this will cause a temporary credentialing freeze in mid-March. Renewing early is the best way to keep your practice running smoothly.



Why the Freeze Is Happening

The DOH is launching its new Health Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) on March 24, 2026. The system will streamline licensing, reduce paperwork, and make it easier to access your licensing information.



To get HELMS up and running, the DOH will temporarily take all licensing systems offline to move data and install new features.



You will not be able to renew your license from 5 p.m. March 18 through March 24, 2026.



Renew Before March 18

If your license expires between March 18 and 24 (often tied to your birthday), renewing before March 18 will help you avoid delays or interruptions in practice.

Renew early on the Secure Access Washington webpage.
Finish any draft applications. HELMS automatically deletes drafts that haven’t been opened in 14 days. Log in and open your draft before March 18 to keep it active.
Don’t expect updates during the freeze. Tools like Provider Credential Search and Facility Search will still be accessible, but they won’t show updates until after March 24.
More details are available at DOH.wa.gov/HELMS.



A lapsed license, even for a few days, can interrupt your ability to practice legally. Renewing early will ensure you stay licensed and avoid last-minute complications during the system transition. If you have questions, reach out to the HELMS team at HELMS@doh.wa.gov.

Send a message to learn more

12/20/2025

Dear Partner/ WA State Massage Therapy Association



The Washington State Department of Health’s Power of Providers (POP) initiative has a new webpage to add to its collection of resources to support Washington’s health care professionals. The Well-Being in Health Care page supports healthcare professionals’ mental health and wellness by providing resources, peer support connection points, and strategies for managing stress, burnout, and moral injury.

Visit the page to access POP’s newly launched podcast You Matter: Voices in Health Care. Episode 1 features an interview with Dennis Worsham, the state’s new health secretary. Future interviews will be posted each month and include stories from nurses, medical assistants, doctors, and other health care professionals from across Washington. Each episode of the podcast will share real stories with genuine, in-depth conversations about resilience, purpose, and the challenges facing our health care system.

In case you missed it, POP launched another new page in August- Long COVID Resources for Providers. This webpage features a comprehensive definition of the condition, provider education opportunities and other resources, support for patients, and more. Check it regularly for new resources and up to date information.

POP staff remain committed to advancing knowledge, empowering health care teams, and enhancing the well-being of those who care for our communities. Please reach out to us with any questions you have and let us know what you’d like to see on POP webpages in the future.

I am including an attachment that may be easily shared with others.



Wishing you the best during the holiday and new year season.



Mercy Wanjao

Provider Experience Specialist

Center for Access to Whole Person Care

Executive Office of Prevention, Safety and Health

Washington State Department of Health
mercy.wanjao@doh.wa.gov

Send a message to learn more

12/18/2025

Director’s Corner
An update from the HELMS Project Director, Ratna Craig
It may be the depth of winter, but our HELMS team is in the midst of waves. Testing waves, that is. After completing development of the final release of HELMS last month, we are thoroughly testing the application across phases with different programs, audiences, and scenarios.

Our team is also using test results to plan release 3 details, including the exact launch date and the freeze period required before launch. With each testing wave complete, we have more data to understand what remains to finalize the system and how long it may take. We are committed to improving each release and continuing to support all users as we add these features and work to improve the current system. The addition of release 3 will require a significant credentialing freeze to launch new features into the existing system and migrate data critical to those features. We will communicate directly with affected customers and partners to minimize any disruptions the freeze may cause. At present, we estimate it will take 5.5 calendar days to complete. We anticipate taking HELMS down in March on a Wednesday evening at 5 p.m., until the following Tuesday in the morning.

As this year ends, I am incredibly proud of the progress this team has made – in supporting our customer service and credentialing staff, helping stabilize this large and complex system, and making steady progress towards our final release. This project has been a momentous effort and represents the Department of Health’s commitment to modernizing systems, reaching customers, and improving quality and access to healthcare in Washington State. The hard work is not over, but the results are clear, with more than 45,000 new credentials issued, 260,000 renewed, and 370,000 users activated in HELMS! Here’s to more progress in 2026!

I wish each of you a wonderful holiday season, with time to rest, recharge and reflect on the prior year. Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year!

Send a message to learn more

10/30/2025

Friday, November 7, 2025, Board of Massage Business Meeting
Dear Interested Parties,

Join us for the Board of Massage's Friday, November 7, 2025, business meeting being held via Zoom webinar at 9:00 AM PST. A physical location for in person attendance is also available.

Physical location Department of Health Town Center 2 - Room 166, 111 Israel Rd. S.E., Tumwater, WA 98501

Remote attendance Click on the blue Register button below to register to attend via Zoom webinar. A link is also available on the meeting agenda. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar.

The agenda and meeting packet will be available on the Massage Therapy webpage under the Board Meetings tab.

Sincerely,

Washington State Board of Massage massage.therapy@doh.wa.gov

10/30/2025

HELMS Update from DOH:

Special Update: HELMS
Update:

We're pleased to share that HELMS Release 2.5, our interim release, successfully launched.

This release is a mix of critical items, including:

9 new credential types
Online facility credentialing
Legacy notes and contact experience imported from ILRS
Military portability
The 3rd and final release, HELMS 3.0 is tentatively scheduled for March 2026.

What is HELMS?
The Washington State Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) will provide licensees and employers better service, increase work efficiency, and provide greater access to data on the healthcare system. This new business solution will replace the Integrated Licensing and Regulatory System (ILRS). Additionally, the HELMS project has strong oversight by the Office of the Chief Information Officer. HELMS will support the licensing and regulatory needs of almost 500,000 healthcare professionals practicing in 86 professions across 359 credential types, 500 educational and training programs across four educational and training program types, and nearly 12,000 facilities across 21 facility types.

Introduction to HELMS

Are you preparing to renew your credential? Check out this instructional introduction video on the HELMS user portal. You can also read step-by-step instructions in this user guide.

HELMS Image
An additional video and user guide are available for EMS Supervisors, County Coordinators, and Medical Program Directors.

09/18/2025

As an approved health care profession in Washington state, you have access to a powerful resource, HEALWA.

What is HEALWA?

HEALWA, which is supported by a portion of your license fee, was created by the Washington State Legislature to improve patient care in Washington State. HEALWA provides evidence-based information for eligible health professionals in Washington State. It provides access to premier clinical journals in the United States, maintains a document delivery service to obtain requested articles that HEALWA does not subscribe to. HEALWA provides online training to allow users to take advantage of resources to assist with patient care decisions.

Who has access to HEALWA?

Twenty-six (26) licensed health professions in Washington State have access to HEALWA. To determine if you are eligible licensee, please click on the link below

HEALWA Eligible Professions webpage

Where is the link to HEALWA?

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit HEALWA yet, you can click on the link provided to explore the system. By doing this, you will gain access to a variety of resources designed to support healthcare providers just like you.

HEALWA

How do I sign up for HEALWA?

Sign up today and start using HEALWA at: https://heal-wa.org/help/getting-started/

Once registered, HEALWA users have access from anywhere and anytime.

Who can I contact with HEALWA questions?

Email: healwa@healwa.org
HEALWA is such a valuable resource for licensed practitioners providing access to a wealth of clinical information and educational materials that are vetted which are essential for informed decision making and patient care. Please reach out anytime if you have any additional questions at healwa@healwa.org.

Instructions on how to create a HEALWA user ID

08/26/2025

Have you been thinking about Teaching Continuing Education? Have you wondered how to select Quality CE Classes?

Join us at WSMTA's Annual Meeting, where Dawn Edge, LMT and Massage School Instructor, will present Transition into Teaching Continuing Education & What LMTs Need to Know When Selecting CE Classes.

You'll explore how to turn your course idea into a reality—whether you envision teaching in person, online, or both—and what it takes to gain NCBTMB approval.

Learn practical ways to get started. The class also provides valuable insight into self-assessment, teaching skills, classroom safety and customer service.

CE Credit for the Annual Meeting is 4.5 Hours.
Members attend for Free.
$65 to Join.

Register Here: https://www.mywsmta.org/event-6285829

08/15/2025

Welcome back to HELMS Reach, the monthly newsletter from the Department of Health and the HELMS Project! It’s been three months since we launched the second release of HELMS and brought credentialing online for staff and customers.

While we aren’t finished, we are excited by the strong response and results that the system is driving for Washington state. This month’s newsletter will focus on the benefits of the HELMS user portal and upcoming features.

HELMS Schedule
HELMS is organized into three releases that enable us to launch functionality and customizations in stages, allowing for testing, integration, and retesting. We have completed two releases and the largest portions of this system.

Release 1 (R1): HELMS Lite – April 24, 2024
Release 2 (R2): Credentialing – April 29, 2025
Additional system upgrades - August 26, 2025
Release 3 (R3): Enforcement+ – this Winter
Director’s Corner
This has been a summer full of changes for public health and for healthcare licensing. When we take on a large system change like the HELMS Project, we often reflect on the challenge of changing established routines and interconnected processes. We test assumptions, make updates where needed, and try to account for every scenario.

Ratna Craig
Ratna Craig, HELMS Project Director

Planning and preparation are key to the success of any project, but in systems change, we know that the sheer size of a project like this one will come with challenges. We recognize that the complexity of licensing more than 380 credential types will not be without its bumps.

We appreciate the patience, support, and interest in HELMS. We have seen an incredible response to the launch with more than 120,000 renewal applications approved through the online portal and 105,000 accounts claimed and activated. We know that many users need to update their information and get support from the customer service teams. Those teams are working tirelessly to respond to and support those who are encountering challenges.

As a director, it is gratifying to see a system come to life through customer engagement. It reminds me that this is a critical step forward and one that many constituents were ready to receive and pursue, even as we work to optimize the system and address issues. I am encouraged to see HELMS continue to improve and grow, to support the delivery of safe, quality healthcare for Washingtonians.

Supporting You with Change
HELMS launched user accounts for licensees in April. This is the most significant change to licensing for most providers in Washington state in nearly a decade. There are many advantages to creating and using an account. We encourage you to log in to Secure Access Washington (SAW) and add the HELMS service ahead of your next renewal or application to streamline the process.

Features of HELMS User Accounts
Application/Renewal Status and Dates: From the homepage of your user account, you’ll see a table of information with any credentials that are ready for renewal, and if you click on the “Applications” tab of the table, you can see the status of any applications you have started or submitted.
Credential History: On the homepage table, you can also choose the “All Credentials” tab to see all your current and past credentials.
Download Your Credential: After you complete your first renewal using HELMS or after your application is approved in HELMS, you will have the option of downloading your credential certificate from your HELMS user portal. Paper certificates will no longer be mailed to professionals. Historical credential certificates are not available for download in HELMS.
Reminder: It is critical that your contact information be up to date with the Department of Health.

Insights & Updates
August Licensing Freeze
This month, we have some significant updates ready to launch for HELMS. Ahead of that launch, we’ll need to freeze HELMS to allow the technical team time to transition data and add functionality. The freeze will begin after 5 p.m. on Friday, August 22, and last until the morning of Tuesday, April 26, 2025.

While this will only impact one business day, we know that some licenses are due to expire during that time, and providers often use weekends to complete their applications or renewals. You can renew your license up to 90 days ahead of your expiration date. We encourage anyone with a license expiring between August 23 and 26, 2025, to renew now to avoid delays.

Question of the Month
Each month, we’ll be sharing the most common questions and answers that we encounter regarding HELMS.

Who do I contact for support with my license or HELMS account?
Answer: It depends on your profession.
If you are an allopathic physician, registered nurse, or chiropractor, we recommend reaching out to your board for assistance. You can find the correct customer service team for your profession here. For support with your Secure Access Washington (SAW) account, please contact WA Tech.

07/21/2025

Certificates, Licenses and Renewal Notices Are Now Digital
Dear Licensed Professionals,

The Washington State Department of Health recently launched the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS), a new licensing system for all healthcare professionals and facilities. HELMS brings applications and credentialing online through a modern, self-service user portal.

The licensing and enforcement of health professionals and facilities is a critical part of the public health infrastructure. It is responsible for ensuring safe, high-quality, and accessible healthcare for all Washingtonians. This custom tool will improve processing and provide a more secure, transparent experience for providers, employers, and administrators.

A Key Change: Your Certificates and Renewal Notices Are Now Digital!

This is an important update for all licensed professionals:

You'll now receive renewal notices exclusively via email if you have a registered email with the Department of Health.
Paper certificates and renewal notices will no longer be mailed.
Please note: Historical credential certificates (approved before April 29, 2025) are not available in HELMS.
Start Your HELMS User Account Today

We encourage you to start your HELMS account today and learn more about the benefits and improvements that HELMS has to offer. Follow the steps below to create, connect, and use your HELMS account.

1. Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account or log into your existing account and add the “Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS)” service to your SAW account.

2. Double-check your contact information. You will be prompted to review your contact information when you add the HELMS service to your SAW account.

If you have an existing license, please use your credential number to match your account with your previous licensing information.
It is essential that your contact information is up to date to ensure a match with your previous licensing records.
3. Certificates and renewal notices are now digital. If you have an email registered with the Department of Health, you will only receive an emailed renewal notice. Paper certificates will no longer be mailed to professionals. Historical credential certificates are not available for download in HELMS.

You can request a certificate that was approved prior to the launch of HELMS (before April 29, 2025) by contacting the Office of Customer Service.
4. Check the status of your application or renewal anytime. Log in to your HELMS account through SAW to check the status column next to your credentials on the homepage. For applications, click on the Applications tab to view your status. For more information on application statuses and timing, check here.

For more information and instructions, visit DOH.wa.gov/HELMS.

Thank you for your dedication to public health in Washington state.