Governor Rell: Physician, Dentist and Nurse

Licenses Can Now Be Renewed Online

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that licensed physicians, dentists and nurses in Connecticut can now renew their professional licenses online through the Department of Public Health (DPH), another enhancement of the user-friendly system that already allows the public to verify whether a doctor has been disciplined.

            The Governor said online license and certification renewal for other professions regulated by the DPH is anticipated in the near future on the new system, known as “eLicense.”

            “The Public Health Web site system continues to provide a host of valuable services,” Governor Rell said. “Doctors, dentists and nurses can now use it to renew their professional license, quickly, efficiently and when most convenient for them. There is a wealth of information about the H1N1 virus. And, of course, the public can quickly and privately learn about the background and disciplinary history of their physicians.

            “These improvements are part of our broader efforts to make interacting with state government more convenient,” the Governor said. “Whether it is renewing auto registrations, seeking information about starting or expanding a business or renewing a license to practice medicine, Connecticut is committed to making it as easy as possible to get information, get connected to the right people and get business done.”

            As the time for renewal approaches, the DPH will notify each license holder, informing them of the upcoming renewal period and providing them with instructions for using the eLicense system. The new system will also allow the DPH to collect valuable work force data that is currently unavailable but needed to identify and address health care work force shortage issues.

            “As a physician, I look forward to having the convenience of being able to renew my physician’s license online,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin. “However, I am also excited about the new system’s ability to collect important information about the health care work force that we were unable to gather before, so that we may better serve the people of Connecticut.”

            DPH is overseeing a pilot program for physicians, dentists and nurses, which make up approximately 95,000 of the more than 200,000 professional licenses and certifications issued by the department.

            Another feature of the new eLicense system allows individuals who hold a professional license with the department to change their address, telephone, fax or e-mail address online. Licensees can print an online receipt and a record of the information changes they have made.

            The eLicense system is a collaborative effort between the DPH, Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), the Department of Information Technology (DOIT) and CAVU Corporation of Raleigh, N.C., a long-time technology partner of the Department of Consumer Protection. The DCP launched their online renewal program in August 2007. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also has an online renewal system which allows customers to renew their vehicle registration online.

            DPH’s online license renewal system, as well as its online license verification system, is available at www.ct.gov/dph.