What is the Parental Leave Program?

The Parental Leave Program provides income support to eligible New Brunswick fee-for-service (FFS) physicians who take time away from practice for maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy, or pregnancy loss. The program is administered by NBMS under the Physician Services Agreement.

Who is eligible for Parental Leave benefits?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are an active FFS physician in New Brunswick
• Are registered with the Department of Health as an active FFS/AFP/Sessional physician
• Meet the Medicare income threshold
• Have an established NB practice and NBMS Ordinary Membership
• Submit the required application and documentation

Locum physicians are not eligible to apply for Parental Leave benefits.

How much financial support is available?

Eligible physicians may receive:

• Up to 26 consecutive weeks at $2,200 per week, or
• Up to 52 consecutive weeks at $1,100 per week

Benefits are paid monthly and are considered a taxable benefit.

When should I apply?

Applications should be submitted at least four (4) weeks in advance of your intended leave start date, whenever possible.

When do benefit payments begin?

Payments generally begin:

• The week of the child’s birth or adoption placement, or
• The week the child is released from hospital (if discharge is delayed and confirmed)

In limited medical circumstances, benefits may begin earlier with appropriate medical documentation.

Can I earn income while on Parental Leave?

Yes, with limits:

• You may bill up to $2,200 per week in fee-for-service (FFS) billings
• If you exceed this amount in any week, you should contact the NBMS and ask to have your Parental Leave benefit stopped for that week.

Do I receive Capitation Payments while on Parental Leave?

No. Physicians on Parental Leave are not entitled to receive capitation payments during their leave, as capitation recognizes responsibility for ongoing patient access, availability, and continuity of care.

Can I hire a locum while I’m on leave?

Yes. Many physicians arrange locum coverage during their leave.

• Your billing number is temporarily suspended while a locum is providing coverage
• The locum bills Medicare directly for services rendered

The NBMS and Medicare should be notified in advance to ensure appropriate setup.

How do capitation payments work when a locum is covering my practice?

When a locum physician is engaged to provide coverage during your leave:

• Medicare may pay applicable capitation payments to the locum physician while they are responsible for the care of your patient panel.
• These payments reflect the clinical responsibility the locum assumes during the leave period.

This structure can support locum recruitment and retention, particularly for longer periods of leave, by recognizing the continuity-of-care role the locum is providing to your practice.

Physicians are encouraged to confirm locum arrangements and associated payment considerations in advance.

What if other physicians in my practice are caring for my patients instead of a locum?

Other physicians within your practice may claim capitation for patients they assume responsibility for during your leave, provided those patients are properly registered under the covering physician in their Medicare Claims Entry (MCE) system.

In two-physician household can both physician parents claim parental leave?

Yes. In a two-physician household:

• Each eligible physician may receive up to 26 weeks of Parental Leave benefits
• Leave may be taken consecutively or concurrently, but must be completed within 52 weeks of the child’s birth or adoption

Leave weeks are not transferable between parents.

What documentation is required after birth or adoption?

You must provide:

• Proof of birth or adoption placement
• Hospital discharge confirmation (if applicable)

Documentation must be submitted within the program participation period.

Is loss of pregnancy covered under the Parental Leave Program?

Yes. Physicians who experience a loss of pregnancy at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy (including stillbirth or infant loss) may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of Parental Leave benefits at $2,200 per week.

In a two-physician household, each eligible physician parent may apply for loss-of-pregnancy benefits.

What documentation is required for loss of pregnancy benefits?

Appropriate medical documentation confirming the loss of pregnancy is required. NBMS staff can assist confidentially with documentation requirements and timing.

Are Parental Leave payments taxable?

Yes. Payments received through the Parental Leave Program are considered taxable income and must be reported on your income tax return. The New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) does not issue tax slips (such as T4A slips) for these payments. You may wish to consult your accountant or tax advisor if you have questions about how to report these amounts.

Ready to apply?

Physicians can apply for Parental Leave funding online via “MyAccount“.

Questions?

Contact support@nbms.nb.ca or call (506) 458-8860 and choose “Programs”.