Section 582.130  Service Obligation Deferment

A deferment temporarily relieves the health care professional of the service commitment but shall not permanently alleviate the health care professional's service obligation.

a)         Deferment requests shall be submitted in writing to the Department.  The request shall detail the reasons for and duration of the deferment.  Deferment requests shall be accompanied and supported by documentation as described in this subsection (a).

1)         A deferment may be granted for up to one year, if the health care professional provides independent medical documentation of a physical or mental health disability that results in the health care professional's temporary inability to fulfill his/her service obligation.  Independent medical documentation shall include a letter from a licensed health care professional fully explaining and attesting to the health care professional's temporary inability to fulfill the service obligation.

2)         A deferment may be granted for up to 12 weeks for maternity, paternity or adoption leave.  If the health care professional's leave will exceed 12 weeks, a deferment may be granted based on documented medical need.

3)         Health care professionals who are military reservists and are called to active duty will be granted a deferment beginning on the activation date in the active duty order.  The health care professional shall submit a copy of the order to active duty with the written request for deferment.  The period of active military duty will not be credited toward the health care professional's service obligation.

b)         A health care professional who receives a deferment shall have his or her service obligation tolled.  The tolling of this requirement shall equal the health care professional’s period of deferment.

c)         The agreement will be amended accordingly to incorporate the new extended service commitment end date.

d)         If the deferment request is denied, the health care professional shall fulfill the service obligation as stipulated in the agreement and in this Part.

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 13300, effective August 29, 2023)