GENERAL INFORMATION:
Q: What is the Guam Board of Allied Health Examiners (GBAHE)?
A: The GBAHE is a regulatory body in Guam responsible for protecting the public against unprofessional, improper, incompetent, unlawful, fraudulent, or deceptive practices by individuals who practice the healing arts.
Q: Who does the GBAHE regulate?
A: The GBAHE regulates a broad range of allied health professionals in Guam. The GBAHE regulates:
- Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine
- Audiologists
- Chiropractors
- Clinical Psychologists
- Licensed Psychology Associates
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
- LPC Intern
- Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
- LMHC Intern
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- LMFT Intern
- Nutritionists/Clinical Dietitians
- Nursing Home Administrators
- Occupational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Physical Therapists
- Physical Therapist Assistants
- Registered Respiratory Therapists
- Certified Respiratory Therapists
- Speech Language Pathologists
- Speech Language Pathology Assistants
- Veterinarians
Q: How often does the GBAHE meet?
A: Board meetings are regularly scheduled for the first (1st) Friday of each month. Meeting dates are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts or unforeseen circumstances.
Q: How can I attend a Board meeting, and where are the agenda and Zoom details located?
A: GBAHE meetings are open to the public and can be attended either in person or virtually via Zoom. All in-person meetings are held at the Health Professional Licensing Office (HPLO), located in the Terlaje Professional Building, Suite 209, Hagåtña.
To view the meeting agenda, Zoom link, Meeting ID, and Passcode, please visit the GBAHE Home Page and scroll down to the "Upcoming Events" section. Under the "Upcoming Events" column, look for the entry titled "GBAHE Board Meeting" followed by the current month and date. Click on the event title to open the full details, which will include the Zoom link, Meeting ID, Passcode, and physical room location.
LICENSING:
The Application Process
Q: How do I get an application?
A: You can download the PDF application from our Forms tab – https://guamhplo.org/gbahe/forms
Q: Can I submit my application packet via email?
A: No. At this time, all licensure applications must be submitted in hard copy. You may deliver them in person to our office or send them via postal mail.
Q: How long does the licensing process take?
A: Applications typically undergo a preliminary review within 5–7 business days of receipt. Applicants will be notified by email if any additional information is needed or if the application is incomplete. Once the application is deemed complete, it will be forwarded to the respective Board Member for individual review prior to the monthly meeting. Following this, the application will be presented to the full GBAHE for formal review at its scheduled monthly meeting. The entire process usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on the completeness of your submission and the volume of applications being processed.
NOTE: If an application is incomplete, it will be held as pending and will not be presented at the monthly Board meeting until all required documentation is submitted.
Q: When can I get a status update on my application?
A: Once the preliminary review is completed, the GBAHE staff will notify you of any deficiencies. If there are no deficiencies, the application will move forward to the next phase of the application process.
Q: Can the Board pre-evaluate my transcripts or documents to see if I am eligible before I apply?
A: No. The HPLO and the Board do not pre-evaluate documents. A formal and completed application, including the payment of all required fees and the submission of all documents, must be officially submitted before any review or determination of eligibility can be made.
Q: How long is my application valid once submitted?
A: Applications typically remain active for one (1) year. If you do not complete the requirements or provide the requested documentation within that timeframe, your file may be closed. Please be advised that in such cases, new clearances and documents may be required by the Board to ensure all information is current before a new application can be processed.
Q: How long is my license valid?
A: Licenses expire on December 31st of every even-numbered year.
Q: Can my application be expedited if I have an employment opportunity pending the approval of my application?
A: No. Applications are reviewed and considered in the order they are received. To help ensure your application is complete and processed promptly, we recommend obtaining any required documents from external organizations or third parties prior to submission.
Requirements and Documentation
Q: Why do I have to provide you with my Social Security Number (SSN)?
A: Federal legislation mandates that any government entity that issues a license (driver’s license, business license, professional license) must collect a SSN. Compliance is mandatory for the issuance of a license.
Q: Are there any other documents I need to submit in addition to the application?
A: Yes. Carefully review the specific requirements for your specialty and ensure all listed criteria are submitted in addition to the general requirements.
Q: Does the Board have the authority to ask for more documents than what is listed on the checklist?
A: Yes. Pursuant to 10 GCA § 12805 Requirements for Licensure (a)(10), the GBAHE may request for "any other information or documentation the Board determines necessary".
Q: What are Police and Court Clearances?
A: A Police Clearance is obtained from your local jurisdiction’s police department and a Court Clearance is obtained from your local judicial court system.
Q: What if my jurisdiction does not provide these documents?
A: If these are unavailable in your area, you may use a service like CastleBranch (select "Personal Background Check, no drug test"). Note: GBAHE is not affiliated with these services.
Fees and Payments
Q: How should I pay the application, license, renewal, or other fee?
A: Payments can be made online at https://guamhplo.org/gbahe/pay
Q: What if I prefer to pay by check?
A: Please make checks or money orders payable to the "TREASURER OF GUAM". Ensure a completed Record of Payment Form (GBAHE-7) is attached with your check.
Q: Is the application fee refundable?
A: No. Application and processing fees are non-refundable.
Digital License Issuance
Q: How long after official board approval will I receive my license?
A: Once the Board grants final approval during the meeting, please allow 3 to 5 business days for the administrative processing and issuance of your digital license.
Q: When will I receive my physical license card in the mail?
A: The GBAHE no longer issues physical license cards. To verify the status of your license or provide proof to an employer, please use our online verification system. You may verify your license by visiting: https://web.guamhplo.org/directory/gbahe. You may search your license status by FIRST and LAST NAME.
NOTE: The Provider’s Directory contains the most up-to-date information regarding a licensee’s licensure status. If an employer has additional questions or requires further assistance, please have them contact [email protected].
VERIFICATION:
Q: What is the difference between a Primary Source Verification vs a License Verification?
A: Primary Source Verification provides minimal information such as; license number, licensee name, status, and specialty. This verification is free of charge. License Verification provides extended information regarding a licensee such as license number, licensee name, status, effective date, expiration date, specialty, and disciplinary information (if any). The verification fee is $50 for all other disciplines.
Q: How do I obtain a license verification from the GBAHE?
A: Active primary source verification may be found by visiting: www.guamhplo.org/gbahe and clicking the “Providers” tab. You may search a licensee status by FIRST &/or LAST NAME.
If you are unable to locate a licensee, please contact the Health Professional Licensing Office (HPLO) via email: [email protected] with the subject line: Primary Source Verification: Licensee Name.
For License Verification, please refer to the steps below and required documents:
Required Documents:
- A completed Record of Payment Form (GBAHE-7):
https://guamhplo.org/sites/default/files/gbahe-7_p.l.36-138_record_of_pa...
Payment Submission:
License verification fees may be paid online at https://guamhplo.org/gbahe/pay or mailed to our office located at 194 Hernan Cortez Avenue, Suite 213A, Terlaje Professional Building, Hagatna, Guam 96910.
Please note the following:
- If paying by check or money order, ensure it is made payable to “TREASURER OF GUAM”.
- Please include in the request an address or email where the verification will be sent. Verification requests with no address/email will be sent to the last known address of the licensee on file.
- Incomplete requests will not be processed.
RENEWAL:
Q: How often do I need to renew my license?
A: Licenses must be renewed by December 31st of every even-numbered year.
Q: How early can I submit my renewal application during a renewal year?
A: Renewal applications may be submitted three (3) months prior to expiration.
NOTE: All licensees are subject to audit. The Board may conduct random audits at any time to verify the validity of your continuing education.
Q: What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?
A: Renewal applications submitted after the expiration date will incur a late penalty fee. Applications will be accepted through March 31 of the year following the renewal period.
Q: How many Continuing Education (CE) hours do I need for renewal?
A: CE requirements vary by specialty (e.g., Acupuncturists, Physical Therapists, Veterinarians, etc.). Please refer to the GBAHE Renewal Application Form for the exact number of hours required for your specific discipline.
SUPERVISED CLINICAL HOURS
Q: What are the qualifications for a clinical supervisor?
A: The eligibility of a clinical supervisor in Guam is determined by P.L. 37-142 §10407(d)(1).
A clinical supervisor must be:
- A Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, or Marriage and Family Therapist who is physically located in Guam and has held a Guam license for a minimum of five (5) years with direct experience in clinical work requiring diagnosis and treatment planning; or
- A Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist licensed in Guam who has held a Guam license for a minimum of three (3) years.
Q: Can I start my supervised practice with any supervisor?
A: No. While a formal application is not required, Board approval of your clinical supervisor is required before you begin your practice. You must ensure your supervisor meets all specific qualifications outlined in P.L. 37-142 §10407(d)(1).
Q: Do I need to submit a full licensure application before I start logging my hours?
A: Yes. You must submit a formal licensure application to the Board before you begin tracking your monthly clinical hour logs.
Q: What happens if I start logging hours before my supervisor is approved by the Board?
A: Hours earned under a supervisor who has not been vetted and approved by the Board may not be accepted toward your 3,000-hour requirement. It is your responsibility to verify their qualifications before starting.
Q: Where and how do I submit my supervised hour logs?
A: Completed logs may be submitted using either of the following methods:
- Deliver hard copies directly to our office at the Health Professional Licensing Office (HPLO).
- Send digital copies to [email protected].
Q: Will the GBAHE ask for additional information or documentation pertaining to my application at a later date?
A: Per 10 GCA § 12805 Requirements for Licensure (a)(10), the GBAHE may request for "any other information or documentation the Board determines necessary".
Q: Can I change my supervisor after I have already started my hours?
A: Yes. However, you must submit a Change of Supervisor form and receive Board approval before you begin logging hours under the new supervisor. Hours earned under an unapproved supervisor will not be counted toward your 3,000-hour requirement.
Q: Can I have more than one supervisor at the same time?
A: Yes, provided each supervisor is Board-approved and you are maintaining separate, accurate logs for the hours earned under each individual.
EXAMINATIONS
Q: Am I required to take the national examination?
A: Taking the national examination is only required if you are seeking full licensure. If you intend to practice under a different license tier (such as an Intern or Associate level), the exam may not be necessary at this time; however, it remains a mandatory requirement for anyone pursuing a full license in Guam.
Q: I want to submit an application to sit for the exam, but I have not submitted a regular license application yet. Am I required to file a license application first?
A: Yes. You cannot submit an "Application to Sit for Examination" as a standalone document by itself. The Board cannot evaluate your eligibility to take a national exam unless you have a pending application for licensure on file. You must first submit your complete Application for Licensure along with all required official transcripts and supporting documents so the Board can verify your educational background before approving you for the exam.
Q: Do I need Board approval before I take the national examination?
A: Yes. You must submit an Application to Sit for Examination to the Board and receive official approval before you register or sit for the exam. The Board must verify that you have met the necessary educational and/or supervised requirements before authorizing your eligibility with the national testing body.
Q: How do I apply to sit for the required national examination?
A: Once you have received official Board approval to sit for the exam, you are responsible for contacting the respective national testing organization directly to register and pay for your examination. The Board does not schedule these exams or collect testing fees on their behalf.
You should contact the following entities based on your license type:
- LPC / LMHC: National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
- MFT: Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
- Clinical Psychologist: Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) for the EPPP.
Q: When should I contact the testing organization?
A: You should only initiate contact and registration with the testing organization after you have received your Board approval letter. Attempting to sit for the exam without prior Board authorization may result in your scores being invalidated for licensure purposes in Guam.
Q: Does the Board provide study materials or exam dates?
A: No. Because these are national examinations, the Board does not provide study guides or specific testing schedules. All information regarding exam windows, testing centers (such as Pearson VUE), and preparation materials must be obtained directly from the national organizations listed above.