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:

1. Change the email in your current PALS account to an alternative email address - one different than the listed email in MedHub.
2. 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.

e. Does the first legal question in my application include training license?

Yes, if you have ever held a training license or any other item listed, you are required to answer yes for this question.

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.

f. What should I enter in the SSN field if I do not yet have an SSN? 

Enter 0000 when asked to enter the last 4 digits of your SSN.  

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, you can Google free courses to determine what is best for you.

• Education | Department of Health | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  
• Education Modules | PA Evidence-Based Prescribing

You can complete and upload this form to your application if you completed the training at your medical school. 

h. 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.

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. Do I need to pay for the new FBI Identity History Summary Check?

Yes. You will not be reimbursed for any payments required to obtain your clearances for licensure.

d. 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. 

e. 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.

f: 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.

No, there are currently no waivers to extend your due date.

You will be unable to start orientation if your clearances are not returned in time. This will also extend your training start date.

If you live in a state where you do not have access to an Identogo location that can provide you fingerprints, you will be responsible for the cost of fingerprinting. The cost to register through Identogo will be covered by GME. Please use your Identogo code sent to you via email.

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.

Your benefits begin on the first day of orientation (or your first day on campus if you are off-cycle).

You will need to bring I-9 acceptable documents. You can view the list here.

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.

Review the links and documents to assist you with answering the questions.

The IRS Substantial Presence Test link will help you determine if you’re considered a resident for tax purposes.

Cards are typically received 7-10 business days after enrollment. If a trainee has an appointment sooner than that, they can reach out to employeebenefits@geisinger.edu.