Considering Retirement?
Licensing Information for Senior Pennsylvania Physicians

Making sure your license status and PAMED membership have the appropriate status is important and will ensure a smooth transition as you enter retirement.

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, legal advice.

License Types

Each license type carries distinct requirements for CME, insurance, and renewal. Choose what fits your next chapter.

License

Inactive / Expired

Step away from practice

  • Cannot practice medicine
  • No CME, renewal app, fee, or malpractice required
  • Reactivation requires full Board review and possibly competency proof
Resources

Volunteer License — Liability Protection

Per 35 P.S. § 449.47, a volunteer licensee who renders professional health care services in good faith is not liable for civil damages — unless conduct falls substantially below professional standards. Protection requires the approved clinic to post an explanation of exemptions, or written notice for mental-health referrals to military personnel and families.

License guide at a glance

License TypeCan I practice medicine?Medical malpractice insurance required?
Active — UnrestrictedYes Yes, unless you qualify for Mcare exemption.
VolunteerYes — approved clinics or referrals, without remuneration. No, but some clinics provide coverage.
Active-RetiredNo — only self and immediate family. No, but consider tail coverage.
Inactive / ExpiredNo No, but consider tail coverage.

Two ways to move from
Active → Active-Retired

OPTION A · IMMEDIATE

Change of Status via PALS

Log in to PALS → click the blue REQUEST button next to your license under Professional License Details → choose Change of Status.

  • Updates immediately upon approval
  • Still complete renewal app in even-numbered year
OPTION B · AT RENEWAL

Renewal Application Switch

Complete the License Renewal Application for your active license — a question lets you switch to active-retired status.

  • License remains in active status through expiration date
  • Renews into active-retired status

Reactivate your license

To reactivate an inactive/expired license, a physician will need to complete a reactivation application, submit proof of completion of all CME, CV, and other info requested by the Board and pay reactivation fee. App will require full Board review. In some cases, an applicant may be required to show clinical competency.

Note: If a physician has not been practicing in Pennsylvania for longer than 4 years, the Board may require a physical and mental fitness assessment of the applicant.

How to apply through PALS

  1. 1Log in to your PALS account
  2. 2Click the blue REQUEST button next to your license number
  3. 3Select REACTIVATE and submit required documentation
Open PALS

Other helpful information

Non-traditional roles (medical director, IME for workers comp, consulting, research) may still require an unrestricted active license.

Review CRNP collaborative and supervising agreements — determine replacements and notify the appropriate State Board.

Do not terminate your medical malpractice insurance before speaking with your insurer about post-retirement liability risk.

Board certification is not required for initial licensure, renewal, or reactivation — though some employers or insurers may require it.

PAMED Licensure Resource Center Instructional Videos for License Renewal

PAMED Retired Membership

PAMED offers a retired membership category. A retired member is a physician who is retired from the active practice of medicine and currently resides in Pennsylvania or was previously active in the Society. A retired member may vote, hold office, and serve as a member of any workgroup or committee on the state and county levels.

Join PAMED