It's secure, speedy and saves you a stamp! OHLA's online renewal feature is part of our ongoing efforts to provide customer service excellence and a streamlined regulatory environment.

If you can't resolve a problem or issue with a practitioner of one of the health and related professions OHLA regulates, we can help.

Check our online database or to see if a professional is licensed or has been subject to disciplinary action (license suspension, probation or revocation).

The Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA) recently became one of the first state regulatory agencies in the nation to offer health, safety and infection control training in lieu of paying a civil fine.

"Our goal is to protect the public," says OHLA Regulatory Operations Manager Tim Molloy. "We think that educating licensees is the most effective way to accomplish that goal."

More than 30 licensees, the majority of whom practice in one or more fields of practice of cosmetology, participated in the first two training sessions at OHLA in Salem on February 25. All of their current violations were expunged and their civil fines waived as a result.

Access regulatory news, publications and OHLA's online newsletter, Licensing Line.

Under proposed fee changes to licensees in multiple health and related professions regulated by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA), a majority of current licensee groups will pay less for their license to practice while new applicants will see an increase in examination and application fees.

"We are doing everything to keep the cost of being licensed in Oregon as low as possible," says Richard McNew, Manager of OHLA's Administrative Services Division. "At the same time, the agency needs to fully address the costs involved in conducting examinations, processing applications and providing a full spectrum of licensing and regulatory services."

That's why proposed fees for most examinations and applications for licensure are higher: to cover the costs of providing these often time-consuming, complex services.

OHLA has implemented national examinations, online renewals, a novel training workshop licensees can attend in lieu of paying a civil fine, and other efficiency measures in an effort to keep costs down while keeping agency performance high.

"We want to continue offering services such as same-day licensing, which allows a majority of our applicants to go to work the same day they pass their examination, while promoting public health and consumer rights," says OHLA Director Susan K. Wilson.

OHLA is currently looking to fill recent vacancies on the nine volunteer citizen boards and councils the agency oversees. Appointments are made by the Governor's Office of Executive Appointments.

Applicants complete and submit an Executive Appointments Interest Form if interested in a particular position.

Interested? Contact OHLA Operations and Policy Analyst Lead Dixie Bryant at at 503-373-1911 or via e-mail at dixie.l.bryant@state.or.us for more information on the specific board or council opening.

Oregon celebrates its 150th birthday in 2009. Planning for this big event has already begun. Learn more and get involved!