DPH keeps people healthy and communities strong. We promote the health and well-being of all residents by ensuring access to high-quality public health and healthcare services, focusing on prevention and wellness, and health equity for all.
Public health response to COVID-19
View updates on COVID-19 case counts, testing, vaccination, guidance, and resources:
Contact us
Recent news & announcements
Who we serve
DPH keeps people healthy and communities strong. We make it safe to eat and drink in Massachusetts, we prevent illness and disease, we give children a healthy start, we help respond to emergencies, and we promote wellness and health equity for all people. DPH also oversees a wide range of healthcare-related professions and services. Information is available for residents, providers, researchers, and stakeholders.
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
- Bureau of Community Health and Prevention
- Bureau of Environmental Health
- Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
- Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality
- Bureau of Health Professions Licensure
- Bureau of Public Health Hospitals
- Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences
- Bureau of Substance Addiction Services
- Office of Data Management and Outcomes Assessment
- Office of Health Equity
- Office of Local and Regional Health
- Office of Population Health
- Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management
- Office of Problem Gambling Services
- Privacy and Data Compliance Office
- Public Health Council
- Purchase of Service Office
- Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Additional DPH links
- Public Health Commissioner Margret R. Cooke’s statement in support of Board of Registration in Pharmacy policy on reproductive health medications
- Public health response to COVID-19
- WIC information for families
- Nursing licenses
- Check a health profession license
- Ordering a birth, marriage, or death certificate
- Public Health Council
- Substance addiction services
Featured topics
Health Care Licenses
Many health care providers need a license to practice. Learn about the regulations governing healthcare 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
- Check a Physician Profile - FindMyDoctor.mass.gov
- Physician or Acupuncture Licensing
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics
- Nurse Aide Registry Program
- 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