The District agency responsible for maintaining records tied to thousands of business licenses says it is in the process of scanning those files to computer disk to improve security, organization and access.
The records — which include Social Security numbers, license applicant addresses, reference letters, licensure status, education credentials and examination scores — were in disarray, according to a recently released D.C. Inspector General’s evaluation of the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ Occupational and Professional Licensing Division.
The file storage area was accessible to all employees, the inspector general found, representing a potential security breach, while the records hadn’t been scanned to computer and were organized in no logical manner.
The scanning, according to the evaluation, was put off for other pressing matters. But the effort has started anew, said Karyn-Siobhan Robinson, DCRA spokeswoman. Once on disk, the records will be retrievable within two business days.
“What was recommended in the report, we’re doing it,” Robinson said.
Chris Knudson, spokesman for D.C. Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber has been urging DCRA to computerize its records and streamline the licensing process. The government, he said, “has a responsibility when they collect personal information to safeguard that information.”
The license division supports professional licensing boards, with oversight of 37,064 District professionals in 127 occupations.
