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Online Application Instructions

Getting started

Online Application Portal Overview (Video)

DOH Online application instructions

Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. You'll need to add the Department of Health Online Application Portal - Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) Portal service to access the online applications. The first time you add the service, you'll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. Because the questions come from public records, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver's license or birth certificate. You may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one or two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity. If you don't have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren't currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you'll need to submit a paper application, as you won't be able to access the Online Application Portal.

Once you have completed the process and submitted your application you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply Online Instructions

Online applications are accessed through Secure Access Washington (SAW) security portal. The first time you add the service, you'll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. If you don't have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren't currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you'll likely need to submit a paper application, as you won't be able to access the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS).


Step 1: Create a Secure Access Washington account

Go to the Secure Access Washington (SAW) website.

Select "Sign up." If you already have a SAW account, sign in with your user ID and password you previously created and continue to "Step 2" below.

 

Graphical user interface Description automatically generated 

  • Follow the steps to register. You'll create your own user ID and password for SAW.

  • The system will send you an email confirming your registration.

  • Select the link in the email that follows this statement: “To activate your new account, select the following link." This step is required to complete the registration process.

If you experience problems with the SAW site, contact Consolidated Technology Services (24 hours) at 855-928-3241 or email support@watech.wa.gov.

Step 2: create a link to the Department of Health Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS)

  • Login to your SAW account using your SAW user ID and password you previously created.

  • Select the “Add a New Service” link.

  • On the right column, select “Department of Health.”

  • Scroll to “Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS)”. Select “Apply.”

  • You'll be asked a series of questions based on your public record data (state of Washington does not gather or store this data). The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. You'll want to ensure you've provided your full legal name, and you may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one to two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity.

  • Click on “My Services” and choose “Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS).”

  • Complete the information on “Locate your Account”. Last name, date of birth, and social security number (SSN) are required fields.

    • If you don't have a SSN, check the “I don't have a Social Security Number” box.

  • Click “Search.”

  • If you don't have a match, or have never had a state of Washington credential, select “No.”

  • If you do have a partial match, you'll be asked additional questions. Select answer, then click “Validate.”

  • If you have a full match, you'll be asked to update your personal information on your Profile Page. You will not be able to update any gray-out field. Once complete, click “Save.”

  • You will now be able to choose the credential you would like to apply for by clicking on ‘Start a New Application’ You can search by name or from a list.

Please Note

  • You will have 14 days from the start of the application to complete and pay.

  • Pay the application and $2.50 convenience fee if applicable. Payment must be made with U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. financial institution. Please make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you.

  • After the payment you can visit your home page to upload documents and view or print your application.