To help avoid any last-minute stress with your massage therapy license renewal this spring, ABMP 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.