Respiratory Therapy
License Requirements

Dist Of Columbia Respiratory Therapy CE Requirements

16 Hours every 2 years - Total CE requirement for license renewal

• Total Requirement: 16 contact hours of approved continuing education are required every renewal period.
• Live/Face-to-Face Requirement: DC regulations traditionally require that at least 8 hours be 'face-to-face.' However, the Board accepts Real-Time Interactive Webinars (where you can interact with the instructor) as satisfying this 'Face-to-Face' requirement. You do not necessarily need to travel to a physical classroom.
• Online/Self-Study Limit: A maximum of 8 hours can be obtained through independent home study or pre-recorded online courses.
• Mandatory Topics: You must complete the following specific topics within your 16 hours: - 2 Hours in LGBTQ Cultural Competency (Cultural Awareness). - 2 Hours in Ethics. - 10% (approx. 2 Hours) in Public Health Priorities (See below).
• Public Health Priorities: You must complete roughly 2 hours in topics designated by the Director. Current priorities typically include: Opioid Prescribing/Pain Management, Human Trafficking/Abuse Reporting, Sexual Health (HIV/AIDS), Implicit Bias, Vaccinations, or Emergency Preparedness.
• Approved Sponsors: Courses approved by the AARC, the MD/DC Society for Respiratory Care, or AMA Category 1 are accepted.

Dist Of Columbia License Renewal Process

1. New Expiration Rule (June 2024 Update): DC Health has transitioned to a Birth Month renewal system. - *Old Cycle:* Licenses expired Jan 31st of odd years. - *New Cycle:* Licenses issued or renewed after June 2024 will now expire on the last day of the licensee's birth month every 2 years.
2. Renewal Window: Renewal typically opens 60-90 days prior to your specific expiration date.
3. Online Portal: Renewal is completed through the DC Health Licensing Portal.
4. Fees: The standard renewal fee is approximately $169.00 plus a $50.00 Criminal Background Check (CBC) fee (Total ~$219.00).
5. Criminal Background Check: A name-based Criminal Background Check is now required for *every* renewal (hence the $50 fee). You generally do not need new fingerprints unless specifically requested.
6. Late Renewal: Licenses renewed after the expiration date incur an $85.00 Late Fee.