FMLA or Sick Time?

FunHRBanker

Employee is out this week because her father had heart surgery on Monday. I have to clarify with her what the dr. cert. states for her assistance ("Transport to rehab and home treatment"). Because of the phrasing, I'm not sure if it means transport to rehab and home for treatment, or if there is home therapy to be done. Would you count this week as FMLA also or ask her to use sick time? I'm very torn. We MUST be specific with this employee.

ritaanz

I don't think you would require transportation for home treatment since you are already home. I would count this towards her FMLA. Are your employees not required to use sick time while out on FMLA?

FunHRBanker

He is not home yet. He is still at the hospital. We cannot force the use of sick time, but we do force the use of vacation and personal time.

LindaS

I would approve this as FMLA. I take the statement to mean that she has to drive her dad to therapy when he gets home PLUS there is some sort of home treatment that is required (possibly things like assistance with personal things).

As for requiring vacation usage, remember here in WI we cannot require the use of this until their WIFMLA for this reason expires.

FunHRBanker

We will count this as FMLA.

I wasn't clear with my substitution statement. After the first 2 weeks for a serious health condition or that of a family member (6 weeks for birth/placement of a child), we require the use of vacation and personal time.