Osteopathic Medicine Licensure Guide

The purpose of the Osteopathic Medicine Guide is to provide transparency, inform applicants of expected timeframes for receiving your license, and outline steps you can take to reduce mistakes and mitigate delays. To provide the greatest clarity on the licensing process from start to finish, we will break it down into three phases, providing estimated times for each stage of the process, and recommendations for how to reduce processing times.

Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon (OS)

An Osteopathic Physician and Surgeon:

• is a graduate of an accredited Osteopathic Medical School
• has passed a three-part national examination, as well as a diagnostic and practical examination
• is fully qualified to perform surgery and prescribe medications
• practices a "whole body" approach to medicine, with a focus on preventative health care
• is specially trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
• uses their hands to diagnose and treat the patient
• receives extra training in the body's musculoskeletal system - the body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones

Osteopathic Graduate Medical Trainee:

A Graduate Medical Trainee may:

• Perform all of the functions of a licensed doctor of osteopathic medicine, under the appropriate supervision, including: 
• Performance of health assessments;
• Diagnosis and treatment of health conditions; 
• Counsel and educate patients about health conditions;
• Execute medical regimens as delegated by the supervising physician;
• Participate in interdisciplinary health care teams and committees to provide patients with the appropriate continuum of care.

Osteopathic Physician Assistant:

Under the appropriate direction and supervision by a physician, augment the physician’s data gathering abilities to assist the supervising physician in reaching decisions and instituting care plans for the physician’s patients. This list is not intended to be specific or all-inclusive.

1. Screen patients to determine need for medical attention. 
2. Review patient records to determine health status. 
3. Take patient history. 
4. Perform a physical examination. 
5. Perform a development screening examination on children. 
6. Record pertinent information data. 
7. Make decisions regarding data gathering and appropriate management and treatment of patients being seen for the initial evaluation of a problem or the follow-up evaluation of a previously diagnosed and stabilized condition. 
8. Prepare patient summaries. 
9. Initiate request for commonly performed initial laboratory studies. 
10. Collect specimens for and carry out commonly performed blood, urine and stool analyses and cultures. 
11. Identify normal and abnormal findings on history, physical examination and commonly performed laboratory studies. 
12. Initiate appropriate evaluation and emergency management for emergency situations, for example, cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, injuries, burns, hemorrhage. 
13. Perform clinical procedures such as: 
    • Venipuncture. 
    • Intradermal tests. 
    • Electrocardiogram. 
    • Care and suturing of minor lacerations. 
    • Casting and splinting. 
    • Control of external hemorrhage. 
    • Application of dressings and bandages. 
    • Administration of medications with the exception of controlled substances, whole blood and blood components. 
    • Removal of superficial foreign bodies. 
    • Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. 
    • Audiometry screening. 
    • Visual screening. 
    • Carrying out aseptic and isolation techniques. 
14. Provide counseling and instruction regarding common patient problems. 
15. Order durable medical equipment.
16. Issue oral orders to the extent permitted by a health care facility’s bylaws, rules, regulations or administrative policies and guidelines.
17. Order respiratory and occupational therapy referrals.
18. Order disability assessments for the program providing Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
19. Issue homebound schooling certifications. 
20. Perform and sign the initial assessment of methadone evaluations in accordance with Federal and State law, provided that any order for methadone treatment shall be made only by a physician.

Process Overview

1. Sign in or create account at www.pals.pa.gov

2. Select the board to apply and plain-language questions will appear to help you get started
   

3. Application appears – review checklist, upload required documents, follow prompts
   

4. Review all information and edit as needed

5. Pay the required fee and your application is submitted

6. Keep an eye on your email or get real-time updates at www.pals.pa.gov

Helpful Links and Next Steps: