Impact of the Family and Medical Leave Act on Hospital Pharmacy Practice Management

Abstract

The implementation of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), how employees use such leave, and its effect on pharmacy service provision were examined in a national survey of 494 hospital pharmacy directors (16.2% useable response rate). Although there is some discrepancy regarding how to calculate the 12 weeks of leave time, at least 18.7% of respondents were found to allow less time than allowed by law. In general, respondents indicated that men used FMLA benefits only about 20% less than women. About 20% of respondents indicated that they were unable to expand departmental services with current staffing levels due to the impact of the FMLA and another 50% reported that they were only able to continue usual pharmacy services by hiring additional staff or requesting that employees work overtime. Strategies that respondents used to deal with perceived problems caused by staff usage of FMLA benefits are presented. Employers appear to interpret and enforce the FMLA inconsistently. Pharmacists and pharmacy managers need to obtain a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities under this Act.