Program Letters of Agreement (PLAs)Kristen Morda, MA

Graduate Medical Education LibrarianSeptember 27, 2011

What is a PLA?Program Letter of Agreement (PLA): A written document that addresses GME responsibilities between an individual accredited program and a site other than the sponsoring institution at which residents receive a required part of their education.¹

1. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Glossary of Terms. 2011; http://www.acgme.org/acWebsite/about/ab_ACGMEglossary.pdf. Accessed September 20, 2011.

What Should be in a PLA?The Common Program Requirements stipulate that program letters of agreement should:

a) identify the faculty who will assume both educational and supervisory responsibilities for residents;

b) specify their responsibilities for teaching, supervision, and formal evaluation of residents;

c) specify the duration and content of the educational experience; and,

d) state the policies and procedures that will govern resident education during the assignment.

Program letters of agreement should be renewed at least every five years.²

2 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Frequently Asked Questions Related to Master Affiliation Agreements and Program Letters of Agreement. 2011; http://www.acgme.org/acWebsite/about/ab_FAQAgreement.pdf. Accessed September 20, 2011.

What Should be in a PLA?Name of USF Residency ProgramName of Participating SiteEffective datesProgram DirectorLocal Site Director (only one!)Additional FacultySpecific duration of assignmentSignatures: Program Director, DIO, Local Site

Director, and Participating Site Official (FH and ACH only)

Goals and Objectives attached

Example USF GME PLA

Effective DatesEffective dates are to be no more than 5 years. ACH requires no more than 2 years.

Examples - July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016July 1, 2011 and will remain in effect for

(5) five years

Duration of AssignmentBe specific!

Example – Moffitt -PGY 1 - 2 months; PGY 2 - 6 months; PGY 3 - 3 months, etc.JAHVA – PGY 1 – 4 months; PGY 2 – 2 months; PGY 3 – 5 months, etc.

Duration of Assignment

Does it match WebAds?

Does it match Goals and Objectives?

Local Site DirectorOnly one local Site Director!

Do not list the name of the practice/doctor’s office as the local Site Director

Make sure the person listed really is the local Site Director.