Leave of Absence
A leave of absence is defined as an employee taking fifteen (15) or more working days of continuous leave.
Medical Leave of Absence
When a supervisor becomes aware that an employee has, or will be missing work time due to a specific health related issue, they should immediately have the employee obtain a Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee's Serious Health Condition form or Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member's Serious Health Condition form. The form must be completed by the employee's health care provider. Once completed, the employee should submit the medical documentation to the Human Resources office or immediate supervisor. Upon receipt by the Human Resources Department, the documentation will be reviewed to assess the details surrounding the loss of work time. The employee's supervisor will be notified by the HR department as to the exact allowances for missed time as spelled out in the Certification of Health Care Provider.
If the employee requires additional time than that spelled out on the Certification of Health Care Provider, a new form will be required. All Certifications of medical issues that are of a chronic nature must be renewed at least once per year by submission of a new Certification of Health Care Provider from their health care provider.
The Certification only protects the employees' position for a maximum of 480 hours annually in relation to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
During this time of absence, the employee may use available sick or vacation leave time to maintain income. If there is little or no leave time available, the employee must contact the Human Resources Benefits Office at (352) 392-2477 to discuss the absence in regards to benefit payments to maintain their current benefits status.
