September 21, 2018

BPOA Licensure Updates

POMA received notice this week that physicians who have renewed their license are beginning to receive confirmation to this effect and that the online verification reflects the correct status of the license.  However, due to the high volume of renewals, there is a delay in the printing of the licenses.  Please be patient as the state processes the printed licenses

POMA continues to work with the State Board and BPOA to address issues that arise with the application and renewal process. They have provided us with a list of Frequently Asked Questions that may help you as you are working on your renewal.

If you are experiencing difficulty obtaining a license, email [email protected].  Provide the date you applied, any outreach you’ve made to the board (email, phone calls, etc.), and if there are any extenuating circumstances leading to a hardship if the license is not received.  Check POMA’s newsletter and website for the most up-to-date information. 

Frequently Asked Questions
The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) is committed to working with licensees to make the transition to the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) as easy as possible. Below you will find clarification on some of the application questions:

Q: Have you registered with the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program(PDMP)?
A: Licensees must answer yes or no to this question. Regardless of how you answer, it does not stop a renewal from being processed. Even if you say no, your license will be renewed, as long as you have no other issues. However, if you answer no, you will receive an email prompting you to register. Failure to register with the PDMP may result in disciplinary action.

Q: I will be retiring from practice but desire to place my license on active-retired status which will allow me to treat immediate family members. I am exempt from the CME requirements, except for completion of the 2 hours of Board-approved continuing education in child abuse recognition and reporting and 2 hours of Board approved continuing education in pain management, identification of addiction or the practices of prescribing or dispensing of opioids. Renewal must be completed, and fee required.
A: If a licensee is already in active-retired status, they go through the same renewal process as a licensee in the active status. They just click on the renew button and complete the questions, as normal. They pay the same renewal fee ($220) as someone in the active status. So,
essentially, their renewal will look the same as an active physician. Once they complete the renewal and pay the fee, they will be renewed into their current status of active-retired for the next two-year period.

Q: Do you maintain current medical professional liability insurance in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?
A: If a licensee answers no that they do not have insurance, they receive instructions to upload a statement as to why they do not have insurance and why they are exempt from holding insurance. In the interest of receiving accurate responses, BPOA does not provide sample
wording. An example of a reason not to maintain insurance in Pennsylvania is if they do not practice in Pennsylvania, which the applicant can use as an explanation. While failure to have proper insurance may result in disciplinary action, it does not stop a renewal from being
processed if all other parts of the application are complete and compliant.