Pennsylvania Physicians Have Access to Free Child Abuse CME That Meets State Licensure Requirements

Pennsylvania physicians now have access to free child abuse CME that meets the state’s licensure requirements.

Under the amended Child Protective Services Law (CPSL), all physicians must complete approved training on child abuse recognition and reporting as a condition of licensure.

  • Initial license – Physicians must complete three hours of approved training to obtain an initial license to practice in Pennsylvania.
  • License renewal – Physicians must obtain two hours of approved training each cycle to renew their license.

This CME activity, developed by the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) and approved by the state Department of Human Services to meet licensure requirements, includes three parts:

  • Part 1 – Online interactive training that provides an overview of child abuse reporting in Pennsylvania and related matters, including:
    • What is child abuse
    • Who must report child abuse
    • When a report must be made
    • How to make a report
    • Investigation of reports
    • Protections given to reporters, and
    • Penalties for failing to make a mandated report
  • Part 2 – Online interactive training during which you will:
    • Review the signs and symptoms of child abuse, and
    • Learn through interactive case studies
  • Part 3 – Written material from PAMED’s child abuse Quick Consult series that provides more in-depth understanding of the topics covered in this webinar

Physicians who complete Parts 1 and 2 and pass an assessment will receive two hours of CME/approved training. This is required for license renewal. If applying for an initial license, you must also complete Part 3 to obtain an additional hour of CME/approved training.

PAMED’s has a suite of resources to help physicians and physician practices understand their responsibilities under the CPSL.

PAMED members who have questions on the reporting requirements can contact PAMED’s Practice Support Team at (717) DOC-HELP, that’s (717) 362-4357.