FMLA for one day

denjen · May 2007

I need a quick response to an ee that has requested and had a doctor fill out a certification for FMLA. The leave is for one day, so she can drive her husband to the hospital for testing. (The real issue is that she does not want to use her vacation time) Do I have the authority to say that this (one day) does not qualify?
Here is the kicker. Her husband works here as well and he is requesting the day off and only using vacation time.
This ee intimidates me. I need confidence in my decision before I approach her. HELP

joannie · May 2007

Since she has doctor certification, I would probably allow it. Wouldn't want to take the chance the test results would indicate a serious health condition and the repercussions from that. And if they do, at least you will have one set of paperwork out of the way.

denjen · May 2007

Thank you Joannie. Don't I set a precedence then? I like the idea of holding onto it incase the results lead to a long term treatment. If I allow FMLA for a single day for this person when it doesn't qualify, how do I say no to the week long flu of a child, which does not qualify either. I feel as if I am being tested.
We have found a way to give her the day off, and hold onto the paperwork pending the outcome of the test. Do I gain anything either way.
Can anybody offer me pros and cons to this situation?

LindaS · May 2007

Does your FMLA policy require the use of paid time off in conjunction with FMLA? If so, she would still be required to use her vacation for an FMLA qualifying situation.

denjen · May 2007

No it does not require us to use vacation time in conjunction or first. That would have given me an easy out.

Elizabetharess · May 2007

These are the hardest things to figure out. What happened? Did you allow the FML? It keeps getting harder and harder to determine what is allowable.

denjen · May 2007

Sorry I got onto another subject if you are still waiting, here is your answer. We did not attach FMLA to this one day. I did keep the request on file for future use. Her supervisor granted the day off unpaid.

FMLA for one day

Comments