Training License Application
Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS)
a. How do I know if my application was submitted successfully?
When you are logged into PALS, scroll down to the section titled “Activities.” Here you will see a list of your applications. Please ensure the status listed next to the active application is marked as “Submitted.” If the status is listed as “Pending Review” then you have not submitted your application.
Application status:
- Submitted = applicant submitted
- Pending review = applicant has not submitted
- Completed = new license mailed out to the Graduate Medical Education (GME) office
b. How do I create a PALS account for my training license?
The state board requires that the institution initiates the training license application, so please do not create a PALS account. You will receive an email (to the primary email listed in MedHub) by the state board once your application has been initiated by the Geisinger GME office.
Please send an email to GMEorientation@geisinger.edu or email your program administrator if you have already created a PALS account using your primary email listed in MedHub.
c. What if I created a PALS account already?
If you have created a PALS account already for a previous PA training license then we will renew your license right from that account.
If you have created a PALS account already for an unrestricted license then you will need to do one of two things:
- Change the email in your current PALS account to an alternative email address - one different than the listed email in MedHub.
- Have your program administrator change your listed email in MedHub.
d. Why does my date of birth appear one day sooner in the application than it actually is?
We are not sure. We have contacted the state board regarding this for many applications and they always confirm the date is correct on their end. If the date is off by more than one day or the date listed is after the correct date then please reach out to GME.
Act 31 Child Abuse Training
a. Do I need to complete the ACT 31 Child Abuse Training?
This training must be completed every year. Please go to Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center to complete this training. (Please note that you may have issues viewing this site on Internet Explorer.)
If you have questions regarding completed training, please reach out to helpCPSL@pitt.edu or call 717-605-0236.
b. How or where do I upload my certificate of completion for ACT 31 Child Abuse Training in PALS?
The results of your ACT 31 Child Abuse Training will be sent directly to the state board from the University of Pittsburgh. You are not required to upload the results to PALs.
If you have questions regarding completed training, please reach out to helpCPSL@pitt.edu or call 717-605-0236.
c. How do I know when or if I have completed the Child Abuse Training?
When you are logged into PALS you will see a section labeled “Continued Education." In this section you will see the date of the last completed child abuse training. Please note that this is not updated in real time. You should allow a few days for this training to be updated in PALS.
If you have questions regarding completed training, please reach out to helpCPSL@pitt.edu or call 717-605-0236.
d. Where can I complete the required ACT 31 Child Abuse Training?
Please go to Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center to complete this training.
e. How often do I need to complete the Child Abuse Training?
You are required to complete the training with every training license renewal; so once per year. If the date listed in your PALS account is later than the date you are submitting your renewal application than you are not required to complete the training again.
For example: If the date you are submitting the application is 2/16/2020 and the date your last completed Child Abuse training in PALS is listed as 3/5/2019, then you are not required to complete the training again. However if your application is reviewed by the state board on 3/6/2020 they will request you complete the training again.
Opioid Training
a. Do I need to complete the opioid training?
Yes, opioid training is required for initial and renewal applications for a training license.
The GME office does not hold on to documentation of completed opioid training. This is the responsibility of the learner to track and keep personal records.
b. How many hours of opioid training must I complete?
- For your initial applications you are required to complete at least four hours of board-approved education consisting of two hours in pain management or the identification of addiction and two hours in the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids.
- For your renewal applications you are required to complete two hours in pain management, identification of addiction or the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids.
The GME office does not hold on to documentation of completed opioid training. This is the responsibility of the learner to track and keep personal records.
c. Does the opioids continuing education need to be Category 1 or Category 2?
The opioid education can be either Category 1 or Category 2.
Definitions:
Category 1: Activities that have been approved by an accredited provider.
Category 2: Activities which have not been formally designated by an accredited provider.
The GME office does not hold on to documentation of completed opioid training. This is the responsibility of the learner to track and keep personal records.
d. Where do I upload my proof of completion for my opioid training?
Renewal applications – You are not required to upload proof of completion. In order to renew your license you are required to answer the verification question asking if you have completed two hours of opioid training. If an audit takes place they may request proof from the licensee that the training was completed.
The GME office does not hold on to documentation of completed opioid training. This is the responsibility of the learner to track and keep personal records.
New applications – After the application is submitted, the applicant can upload the continuing education certificates to their application. This can be done by finding your application in the “Activities” section on your dashboard, clicking the plus (+) sign to open the application checklist, clicking the item you wish to upload, and “Browse” to select the file from your device.
e. Do I need to submit proof of opioid training now?
For your initial application it is required that you submit proof of completion within the first year. We ask that you please submit this when you submit your application.
For a renewal application it is required that you retain personal records ensuring compliance of the two-hour opioid education.
f. Are there specific courses that will meet the required hours?
You can choose your own opioids education courses provided you meet the number of required hours and the approved content requirements.
g. Is there a Geisinger-recommended resource to complete this required opioid training?
No, however you can complete the required courses on the Pennsylvania Medical Society Opioid Training website.
h. Will I complete the opioid training during my year of training at Geisinger?
No, please use the resources provided to complete the training on your own.
i. How will the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania verify my compliance with the opioid education requirement?
Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) was advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) that the current process is that, if audited, licensees will have to produce documentation verifying the courses they've completed, and the title of the course(s) on the documentation should be clear that the content addressed board-required subject matter.
Category 2 credits – Please use this form created by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to track your credits.
Category 1 credits – A certificate must be obtained and saved to your records.
The GME office does not hold on to documentation of completed opioid training. This is the responsibility of the learner to track and keep personal records.
FBI Identity History Summary Check and Criminal History Record Check
a. Do I need to complete a Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) for each state I have lived, worked or completed training in?
You can either submit an FBI Identity History Summary Check OR a CHRC for each state where you’ve lived, worked or completed training. If you’ve lived, worked or studied in multiple states, your quickest option is to submit an FBI Identity History Summary Check. But choose whichever option you feel works best for you.
b. I'm new to Geisinger Graduate Medical Education but not Geisinger. Am I still required to complete an FBI fingerprint clearance?
If you’re new to Geisinger Graduate Medical Education, you will be required to upload an FBI fingerprint clearance to your training license application in PALS. Refer to your onboarding checklist for instructions on how to obtain your FBI fingerprint report.
If you’re not new to Geisinger Graduate Medical Education, you won’t be required to complete the FBI fingerprint clearance for your training license.
c. Is the FBI Identity History Summary Check I received for employment at Geisinger acceptable for my training license application?
Due to a change of format from the Department of Human Services, the Pennsylvania State Board no longer accepts these reports. If your report was issued in the old format, you can use this for your training license application. Refer to the examples in the instructions in your onboarding package.
d. Do I need to pay for the new FBI Identity History Summary Check?
Yes. Save your receipt and give it to program administrator during orientation. You’ll be reimbursed later. We can’t reimburse you if you don’t have a receipt.
e. Why does the link for the new FBI clearance say this report may not be acceptable for licensure?
Not all states allow these reports for licensure — but the Pennsylvania State Board does. Follow the instructions under “Electronically Submit a Report” or “Submit a Request via Mail” and check that it’s for personal review to obtain a new clearance.
f. Where do I upload my FBI Identity History Summary Check or Criminal History Record Check report?
These reports are uploaded in your license application next to the states where you’ve lived, worked or studied in for the last 10 years.
g: The application is requiring me to upload more than one report. What should I do?
If you can’t submit your application until you have uploaded something next to each state where you’ve lived, worked or studied upload your FBI Identity History Summary Check to each section. If you obtained your Criminal Record History Checks instead, upload each report next to the corresponding state.
Am I required to obtain a training license if I already have an unrestricted license?
Yes, all incoming residents/fellows are required to obtain a training license unless you are in any of the following programs:
- Clinical psychology
- Podiatry – Your program administrator will provide you with instructions for obtaining an unrestricted license.
- OMF – Your program administrator will provide you with instructions for obtaining an unrestricted license.
- Peds dentistry – You will be approved as a post graduate trainee in PALS.
Does the first legal question in my application include training license?
Geisinger Employment Clearances
Can the due date of my clearances be extended?
What if I don't receive my clearances by the orientation start date?
I don't live in Pennsylvania. How can I be fingerprinted?
See page 4 of the emailed FBI fingerprinting instructions.
If you live outside the United States, consult your U.S. Embassy to see if they provide fingerprinting.
I live out of state and had to be fingerprinted at a location for an additional charge. Will GME reimburse me?
I was fingerprinted but never received my clearance.
If you were fingerprinted over six weeks ago and have not received your results, the clearance may have gotten lost in the mail. Call Identogo customer service for status of your fingerprint submission at 1-844-321-2101.
If your fingerprints were lost in the mail, you are able to request a reprint. This can take three to seven business days after requesting. The number is 717-783-6211 option #4 or toll free: 877-371-5422.
Once received, please scan and upload to MedHub (and the PALS portal) ASAP.
If I already have a Pennsylvania FBI fingerprinting clearance, do I need to get a new one?
I'm already a Geisinger employee. Do I need to obtain a new FBI clearance?
General
When will my benefits begin?
What will I need to bring to orientation?
You will need to bring I-9 acceptable documents. You can view the list here.
Do you know your white coat size? Men’s coats are based on suit jacket size (examples: 32, 46, 46L, etc.). Women’s coats are based on shirt size (examples: 0, 2, 8, 14, etc.). We will have coats at the exhibit to try on, but due to Covid, if you do not wish to try these on, we ask that you come prepared with an idea of your size.
You will receive a professional headshot the first day of your orientation. Please be mindful and dress appropriately. As orientation approaches, an additional email with this information, along with parking information, where you need to go, your orientation schedule, etc. will be sent to your personal email on file.
Alien information request form
The IRS Substantial Presence Test link will help you determine if you’re considered a resident for tax purposes.