Not Returning Paperwork

Rockie

I am sure this must have been addressed before, but what do you guys do when people don't return paperwork. I have an employee out with broken ribs and I sent him the requisite paperwork with the request to return within 15 days. The 15 days will be up this week and I haven't gotten the paperwork back. I know the physcian has it because I got his return to work certificate already. I called the docs office to see if they did have the paperwork. It is still sitting on the docs desk (imagine that!).

Do you just go ahead and track it as FMLA since you KNOW that it is a qualifying event or do you count as unscheduled/unapproved leave pending the doctor's certificate? I'd tend to say go ahead and track it as FMLA???

Thanks.

LindaS

It's not the EEs fault the paperwork hasn't been returned and you have enough information to qualify this as a serious health condition even though the actual form hasn't been returned. Go ahead and track it as FMLA and notify the employee of such.

mmurnahan

I agree. We are a healthcare facility, and sometimes our docs are slow at completing the patient's paperwork. Some docs even charge a fee per page to complete. I usually send the employee a letter and give them a date (month, day, year) that the paperwork should be returned. Then if the employee calls in with explanation of the delays, document that in your files, but error on the side of the employee, and give the leave pending the return of the paperwork.

patricialynn

>I agree. We are a healthcare facility, and sometimes our docs are
>slow at completing the patient's paperwork. Some docs even charge a
>fee per page to complete. I usually send the employee a letter and
>give them a date (month, day, year) that the paperwork should be
>returned. Then if the employee calls in with explanation of the
>delays, document that in your files, but error on the side of the
>employee, and give the leave pending the return of the paperwork.

patricialynn

But what happens if the employee is just not bothering to follow through with either form?

mushroomHR

Also, what happens if you never receive the paperwork? Just count it as FML? I have someone who hasn't returned the paperwork and that's what I'm going to do. I know I'll probably never see the documentation from the doctor because that's just how this person is.

rad

In my place, if paperwork is not returned, FMLA is denied.

Don D

The only time I would deny it is when the employee 'gives' adequate notice, 30 days, and the paperwork is not forthcoming. In that instance, I would tell the ee, the leave is not approved. Then he'll get in gear. In the instance cited, I would start the FMLA clock. It is to the employer's advantage to do so, not the employee's. Start the clock, notify the ee in writing and tell the ee he is required to see that the paperwork is returned. If it isn't, it isn't.