Vacation Policy
USAP Partner Vacation Policy
Effective January 1, 2026
1. Vacation Allocation
Each partner is entitled to nine (9) weeks of vacation per calendar year, subject to the following terms and conditions:
| Partner Level | Annual Allocation | Selection Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Partner (10+ years) | 9 weeks | Priority draft position |
| Partner (5-10 years) | 9 weeks | Standard draft position |
| Junior Partner (<5 years) | 9 weeks | Standard draft position |
2. Vacation Selection Process
• Annual draft conducted in January for the following year
• Order reverses each round to ensure fairness
• Up to two picks per turn; weeks can be consecutive
• Partners must select all 9 weeks during the draft
• Selections are final once submitted
• Based on reverse order of previous year's draft
• New partners added at random positions
• Seniority considered for tiebreakers
3. Scheduling Restrictions
3.1 Consecutive Weeks
Weeks may be taken consecutively. Schedule responsibly to support coverage.
3.2 High-Demand Periods
| Period | Weeks | Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Seasonal | 22-31 (May 25 - Jul 27) | Standard slots |
| Spring Break Holiday | 11-12 (March 15-22) | High demand - standard slots |
| Thanksgiving Holiday | 47 (Nov 22-29) | High demand - standard slots |
| Christmas/New Year Holiday | 52-53 (Dec 21 - Jan 3) | High demand - standard slots |
4. Coverage Requirements
4.1 Minimum Coverage
At least 50% of partners must be available during any given week
4.2 Call Coverage
Partners on vacation remain responsible for arranging call coverage
4.3 Patient Handoffs
Complete patient handoffs required before vacation periods
5. Changes and Cancellations
5.1 Post-Draft Changes
- • Requires mutual agreement between affected partners
- • Must be submitted to HR at least 30 days in advance
- • Subject to coverage requirements
- • Maximum 2 changes per partner per year
5.2 Emergency Cancellations
- • Medical emergencies: Documentation required
- • Family emergencies: HR approval required
- • Practice emergencies: May require vacation rescheduling
6. Unused Vacation
• No compensation for unused weeks
• Exceptions only for extended medical leave
• Unused weeks return to pool for redistribution
7. New Partner Provisions
7.1 Mid-Year Joiners
Prorated vacation based on start date, minimum 2 weeks
7.2 First Year Allocation
Full 9 weeks available from January 1 following hire date
7.3 Orientation Period
No vacation during first 90 days unless pre-approved
8. Compliance and Violations
• Loss of draft priority in subsequent years
• Restriction to off-peak weeks only
• Disciplinary action per partnership agreement
9. Special Circumstances
9.1 Maternity/Paternity Leave
Separate from vacation allocation - see HR policy
9.2 CME Time
5 days CME time separate from vacation weeks
9.3 Sabbatical Leave
Special arrangements through practice management
10. Contact Information
For questions about this policy or vacation-related matters:
HR Department
Kellye Troope
Email: kellye.troope@usap.com
Practice Management
Email: management@usap.com
This policy supersedes all previous vacation policies.
Last Revised: January 1, 2026 | Version 2.0
Next Review: January 1, 2027