Ask the expert: How should MSPs handle leaves of absence?

Medical staff policies generally allow a medical staff member to obtain, for good cause, a voluntary leave of absence (LOA). However, a practitioner’s LOA that exceeds the maximum time limit specified in the medical staff policies constitutes a voluntary resignation of medical staff membership and clinical privileges (unless the governing board makes an exception).

Practitioners can request LOAs for personal and business reasons that may include the following:

• Overseas military assignment
• Extended educational opportunities
• Health issues

The practitioner requesting the leave should state the reason motivating his or her request and how long the leave will last. The medical staff bylaws should specify how far in advance the practitioner must request reinstatement, prior to the date the practitioner wishes to resume practicing at the hospital. This will ensure that the MSP and department chief have enough time to process the request.

This week’s question and answer have been adapted from The Essential Guide to Medical Staff Reappointment: Tools to Create and Maintain an Ongoing, Criteria-Based Process by Anne Roberts, CPMSM, CPCS.