Program Letter of Agreement (PLA)

The following is adapted from the ACGME Guide to the Common Program Requirements.

What is a PLA?

The PLA or Program Letter of Agreement, is a written document that addresses graduate medical education (GME) responsibilities between a program and a participating site at which residents/fellows have required educational experiences.

Purpose

The purpose of a PLA is to ensure a shared understanding of expectations for the educational experience, the nature of the experience, and the responsibilities of the program and the participating site.

Relevance for Program Coordinator Role:

  • Program coordinators typically work with the program director to prepare and obtain signatures for PLAs.
  • Program coordinators should know the meaning of the term “PLA” and where to locate their program’s PLA(s).

When are PLAs needed? 

How do I know if a rotation is required or not for my specialty? 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  1. Program directors are responsible for PLAs. Designated institutional officials (DIOs) are required to review and approve all PLAs.
  2. A change in program director or DIO does not require updating a PLA with new signatures.
  3. PLAs must be updated and renewed at least every 10 years.
  4. The ACGME only requires PLAs for sites providing required educational experiences. PLAs are not required for elective rotations.
  5. Although the ACGME does not require PLAs for sites providing elective rotations, an institution or GME office may require a PLA for those sites.
    1. NOTE: UT Health requires PLAs for elective rotations. 
  6. PLAs are between a program and the participating site and include all rotations taking place at that participating site.
  7. PLAs are not required for participating sites under the governance of the Sponsoring Institution.

The institution Program Letter of Agreement (PLA) template is found in the New Innovations Intranet 

For more detailed information and guidance, see the ACGME Common Program Requirements FAQ on Program Letters of Agreement.