Hello all,

The Ontario Medical Association has just negotiated maternity benefits for
women physicians.  It is called the Maternity Leave Benefits Program (MLBP).
Here are some quotes from the "membership update".

"The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for Ontario female
physicians who wish to spend time with their child after birth by reducing
the financial hardship of being away from their practice.  Prior to the new
Agreement, a female physician was unable  to obtain disability income or
other maternity benefits.  Because of the demands of their practices, female
physicians often return to practice two to four weeks after delivery.  Most
women are encouraged to take time to establish breastfeeding, maternal
bonding and to allow their bodies to recover from the process of childbirth.

"The MLBP will provide benefits to eligible physicians for 17 consecutive
weeks starting at any time between:

--five weeks before expected date at earliest and
--eight weeks after delivery or the baby's discharge from hospital at
latest.

"The benefit will be 50% of the average weekly earnings over the past 12
months to a maximum of $880 per week.  Women who are receiving medical
benefits may also receive up to $1000 a week in medical professional income
through fee for service payments, alternative payment program renumeration
or other medical professional earnings.  Any amount above $1000 a week will
be deducted from maternity benefit."

This will be effective July 1, 2000.  Note that the money is in Canadian
dollars, so the maximum weekly benefit turns out to be about $4.95 US
(actually about $600).

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC

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