Postgraduate Training License (PTL)
Effective January 1, 2020, a PTL will be required for all trainees participating in an ACGME accredited postgraduate training program in California in order to practice medicine as part of their training program. A PTL must be obtained within 180 days after enrollment in the program and will not be required to be renewed.
Any trainee currently participating in a California ACGME accredited postgraduate training program at the time the law goes in effect, and is not eligible for licensure, will need a PTL by June 30, 2020, to continue in the program.
Transition from PTL to Physician's and Surgeon's License
Trainees who hold a current PTL and have successfully completed 36 months of ACGME training that includes four months of general medicine may apply for transition from a PTL to a physician's and surgeon's license in California.
Note: The PTL will be valid until 90 days after a trainee successfully completed 36 months of accredited training if the trainee is currently enrolled in an ACGME accredited training program in California.
Physician's and Surgeon's License
Effective January 1, 2020, an applicant must successfully complete a minimum of 36 months of baord-approved postgraduate training, with at least 24 consecutive months in the same program, to be eligible for a physician's and surgeon's license in California.
An applicant who has completed 36 months of ACGME training outside of California has 90 days after beginning an ACGME training program in California to obtain a full unrestricted CA medical license to practice medicine.
An applicant who has completed 48 or more months of ACGME training outside of California must obtain a full unrestricted CA medical license prior to starting an ACGME training program in California.
PTL Resources
GME Licensing Fair Event
Who: Residents who need to apply for a California Postgraduate Training License (ALL PGY-1 Residents and PGY-2 Residents who are not licensed)
When: January 9, 2020
Drop in Hours: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm
Where: Slate Room, Wong Kerlee Conference Center
Services Provided: Free Live-Scan, Notary services & voluntary consultation and application review by the GME Office
Attendance is mandatory for ALL PGY-1 Residents and any PGY-2 Residents who are not licensed by 12/31/2019:
- Bring valid photo ID (driver's license)
- Bring your completed Postgraduate Training License (PTL) application (GME Office will provide the photo for the notary page)
- Bring your live scan form with only the applicant section filled out (3 copies)
Do not miss this one-time opportunity. For more information, call the GME Office at (909) 558-6131 or ext. 66131 or email.
PTL Requirements for MBC
- Application Fee - $491, Current residents at the time of applying: GME can send a company check and deduct from your GME Educational Fund when you submit your license application to GME.
- PTL Application - The form is not compatible with Chrome Browser. Save the document prior to filling out, printing, and/or saving the information filled in. GME Office can notarize and submit on your behalf.
- PTL Enrollment Form - GME Office will automatically submit on your behalf.
- Live Scan - Complete at a live scan agency and attach a photocopy of the completed live scan to your PTL application.
- Certificate of Completion of ACGME Postgraduate Training (if applicable) - If you have completed previous training, please request your previous program to fill out.
- Certificate of Medical Education - Request from medical school. GME can complete for LLU grads only.
- Certified Medical School Diploma - Request from medical school. GME can complete for LLU grads only.
- Certified Medical School Transcript - Request from medical school. Paper version must be sent directly to MBC.
- USMLE Transcript (Proof of passing at minimum: Steps 1, 2CK, 2CS)
- Updated CV or Timeline of Activities - Sign and date your updated CV or TOA Form.
PTL Requirements for OMBC
- Application Fee - $540, Current residents at the time of applying: GME can send a company check and deduct from your GME Educational Fund when you submit your license application to GME.
- PTL Application - GME Office can notarize and submit on your behalf.
- PTL Enrollment Form - Please fill out the applicant information and sign the form and turn into GME Office. GME Office will automatically submit on your behalf after program signature.
- Live Scan - Complete at a live scan agency and attach a photocopy of the completed live scan to your PTL application.
- Certificate of Completion of AOA or ACGME Postgraduate Training (if applicable) - If you have completed previous training, please request your previous program to fill out.
- Certified Medical School Transcript - Paper version must be sent directly to OMBC.
- Medical School Diploma (regular photocopy)
- COMLEX Transcript (Proof of passing at minimum: Levels 1, 2CE, 2PE)
FAQs
What will be the PTL application fee?
Medical Board of California: $491.00
Osteopathic Medical Board of California: $540.00
All fees are non-refundable.
First year residents who enroll in their residency program after January 1, 2020
These residents will be subject to the new law and be required to apply and be issued a PTL within 180 days of beginning their residency program.
Second year residents enrolled in a California residency program in July 2019
If a second year resident apply and are licensed prior to December 31, 2019, they will be issued a full license and not subject to the new PTL law.
If second year residents apply for licensure prior to December 31, 2019 but do not receive their license by December 31, 2019, they will be subject to the new law and they will be required to apply for the PTL.
Residents who have completed 1-2 years of residency out of state, who are enrolled in a California postgraduate residency program after January 1, 2020
Residents who have completed 3 years of residency out of state, who are enrolled in a California postgraduate residency program after January 1, 2020
Anyone who has completed 36 months of ACGME training outside of California has 90 days after beginning an ACGME training program in California to obtain a full unrestricted CA medical license to practice medicine.
Note: The 36 months of ACGME training must consist of at least 24-continuous months of training within the same program to qualify for the full unrestricted CA medical license.
Residents who have completed over 4 years of residency out of state, who are enrolled in a California postgraduate residency program after January 1, 2020
Anyone who has completed 48 or more months of ACGME training outside of California must obtain a full unrestricted CA medical license prior to starting an ACGME training program in California.
Note: ACGME training must consist of at least 24-continuous months of training within the same program to qualify for the full unrestricted CA medical license.
When should an applicant apply for their Postgraduate Training License?
Medical Board of California: Applicants are not required to wait until they have begun their residency training to apply for a PTL, rather they may submit an application and all supporting documents required by the Board as soon as they have confirmation of acceptance into an ACGME program.
Osteopathic Medical Board of California: Applicants may apply for their Postgraduate Training License as soon as they have graduated from medical school, completed COMLEX Level 1 and 2 and received confirmation of acceptance into an AOA or ACGME accredited California program. The licensure process can take up to 6 months to complete. Applicants should not apply for a PTL prior to graduating from osteopathic medical school, only postgraduation applications will be accepted.
Is the Postgraduate Training License renewable?
No.
Residents continuing in an ACGME program for PGY-4: the PTL is valid for up to 39 months, which includes the 90 day grace period.
Residents in a 3 year program and not continuing in an ACGME program: the PTL is only valid for up to 36 months and must receive a full unrestriced CA medical license prior to practicing in California. There is no grace period.
Are there CME requirements while holding a PTL?
No, there are no CME requirements while in an accredited postgraduate training program on a PTL. CME reqirements are required after obtaining a CA Physician and Surgeon license.
Can a holder of a PTL obtain an "X-License" or "Fluoroscopic Permit"?
No, the California Department of Public Health requires a full and unrestricted physician’s and surgeon’s license in order to obtain an “X-License” or “Fluoroscopic Permit.” For additional information, visit the California Department of Public Health website.
PGY-1 to PGY-3 residents will not be able to receive the California Fluoroscopy permits and thus will continue to need to be trained in radiation safety through our local process. They would then need to use fluoroscopy through the general supervision of an attending who holds the fluoroscopy permit.
Other Resources
Applying for Allopathic Medical Licensure Prior to January 1, 2020
Applying for Osteopathic Medical Licensure Prior to January 1, 2020
The Osteopathic Board does not accept an application until an applicant officially completing 12 months of postgraduate training.
Continuing Medical Education Requirement
Please view the medical board's website on Continuing Medical Education for full description of requirements.
In summary:
- All licensees, regardless of status as a resident or a "real" doctor in the "real" world, must complete at least 50 hours of approved CME during each biennial (2-year) renewal cycle. They do not provide proof at renewal, they just sign the statement. But if audited later, they have to provide the paperwork for verification. The Board conducts random audits throughout the year.
- Residents and fellows are allowed six hours of Category 1 credit for each month of residency or fellowship, with a maximum of 72 hours each year. (So, in reality, a resident who does one year of training meets the whole 50 hour/2 year requirement)
- For general internists and family physicians who have 25% of their patients aged 65 or old ... they must complete at least 20% of the required CME in geriatric medicine or the care of the elderly. And don't forget about the Pain Management and End of Life Care (PM/ELC) requirements --- also CME, but separate from the above requirements. The legislation that enacted this mandate was specific - the PM/ELC hours must be a separate class specific to those topics. PG training does not count towards this requirement.
- PM/ELC CME is required of all licensees, regardless of status as a resident or a "real" doctor in the "real" world, and is required within the time frames listed below:
- Physicians with an active license before January 1, 2002, will have until December 31, 2006, to obtain the 12 hours.
- Physicians licensed on or after January 1, 2002, must complete the 12 hours by their second license renewal date or within four years, whichever comes first.
- The 12 hours can be all in one subject, or split 11/1, 10/2, 9/3, etc.
- Radiologist and pathologists are exempt.
- The 12 hours for PM/ELC can be used towards the total 50 hours/2 year requirement.
Important Notes
- There is no training or temporary license in California. A Postgraduate Training License (PTL) will go into effect January 1, 2020 under Senate Bill (SB) 798.
- Years of residency refers to actual years of training rather than PGY.
- Trainees entering non-ACGME programs must possess a valid CA Medical License before starting training.
- There is no period of "grace" to obtain a CA MD License.
- Please allow at least 6 months to obtain a Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter or a CA MD License. The application process can not be expedited.
- Visiting residents from outside California may participate in ACMGE residencies as "visitors" for up to 90 days without a CA MD License.
Reporting Misdemeanors and Felonies to Licensing Board
The reporting requirement is pursuant to Business and Professions Code (B&P) Section 802.1 which states:
802.1. (a) (1) A physician and surgeon, osteopathic physician and surgeon, and a doctor of pediatric medicine shall report either of the following to the entity that issued his or her license: (A) The bringing of an indictment or information charging a felony against the licensee. (B) The conviction of the licensee, including any verdict of guilty, or plea of guilty or no contest, of any felony or misdemeanor. (2) The report required by this subdivision shall be made in writing within 30 days of the date of the bringing of the indictment or information or of the conviction. (b) Failure to make a report required by this section shall be a public offense punishable by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
Please use the following reporting form from the Medical Board of California: Physician Reporting - Criminal Actions Form