DPH keeps people healthy and communities strong.
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Who we serve
DPH promotes and protects health and wellness and prevents injury and illness for all people. We prioritize racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism. To learn more about the state’s constituents and communities, visit the Massachusetts Health Data Tool.
DPH prevents illness and disease, gives children a healthy start, and makes sure food and water supplies are safe. We prepare for and respond to a wide range of emergencies and disasters, and we maintain vital records and collect important health-related data across the state. DPH also assesses the quality and safety of health care facilities and services, and we oversee the integrity and competency of health care professions.
Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc
DPH is a an accredited health department approved by the national Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). Learn more: Public Health Accreditation.
Our bureaus and offices
- Board of Registration in Medicine
- Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health
- Bureau of Community Health and Prevention
- Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
- Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality
- Bureau of Health Professions Licensure
- Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences
- Bureau of Public Health Hospitals
- Bureau of Substance Addiction Services
- Office of the Assistant Commissioner for Health Equity
- Office of Health Care Strategy and Planning
- Office of Local and Regional Health
- Office of Population Health
- Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management
- Privacy and Data Compliance Office
- Public Health Council
- Purchase of Service Office
- Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
- State Office for Pharmacy Services
Additional DPH links
Featured topics
Health Care Licenses
Many health care providers need a license to practice. Learn about the regulations governing health care in Massachusetts.
- Nursing
- Pharmaceutical Licensing
- Dentistry
- Chiropractic Licensing
- Dietitians and Nutritionists Licensing
- Hearing Instrument Specialists Licensing
- Physician Assistant Licenses
- Drug Control Program Services
- Genetic Counselor Licensing
- Perfusionist Licensing
- Respiratory Care Licensing
- Nursing Home Administrator Licensing
- Community Health Worker Certification
- Massachusetts Controlled Substances Registration
- Podiatry Licensing
- Dispensing Opticians Licensing
- Optometry Licensing
- Psychologists Licensing
- Allied Health Professionals Licensing
- Social Worker Licensing
- Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Licensing
- Allied Mental Health Professions Licensing
- Nurse Aide Registry Program
- Check a Licensee's Profile - FindMyDoctor.mass.gov and FindMyAcupuncturist.mass.gov
- Physician or Acupuncture Licensing
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) Licensing
- Information for licensed substance use disorder treatment programs
- LADC and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program Licensing
Health Care Facility Licensure
Licensure information and resources for various health care facilities.
Environmental Exposure Topics
Learn about and explore resources for various environmental issues.
Upcoming events
Related agencies
- Executive Office of Health and Human Services
- Board of Registration in Medicine
- Department of Developmental Services
- Department of Transitional Assistance
- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Massachusetts Department of Children & Families
- Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
- MassHealth
- Office for Refugees and Immigrants