Wellness

[cuddlesmama]

I was out on FMLA for 2 weeks last October due too back issues which I was approved by my job.( Had to have a FMLA form filled out by my doctor and they either  my job approves it or not.) With my approval letter from  my job they approved those 2 weeks but I also jot another letter with it and it says the FMLA is good for 12 days out for the year if it happens again. But other people I work with that have FMLA'S said every time you are out you have to have that form filled out again by your doctor every time your out. I thought once you were approved by a FMLA and if the problem arouse again  you didn't  have to have the form filled out again. Does my employer have it right? 

[Pook]

@cuddlesmama  Each need to use FMLA requires a new form to be filled out.  If not employees might abuse that right by taking off when not really necessary.  If the problem is severe enough then there should be no problem getting your doctor to fill it out each time really needed.  If the need to be off is frequent then

disability should be looked into anyway.  

Ask for a copy of the FMLA from your HR person to know the law on this.  

[Theresa1121]

FMLA will cover you for 12 weeks in a year, not 12 days. It can be "intermittant" for the same condition once approved for that issue. If you were out for 2 weeks that is 10 working days. If you go out again, it must be approved again or can be part of the same orignal claim. (our company uses an outside company to handle the requests and documentation). It is unpaid and your job is protected if it is approved as FMLA leave. Our company requires us to use any benefit time we have so we are paid for the leave and it discourages employees from opening trivial claims.

Sounds like you have an open claim but call and verify the number of days you have for the 12 month rolling period covered by the October claim. Good like with your back. Never fun.

[Pook]

I forgot to state that yes it can be approved for use without a doctor statement each time but doesn't have to be and in my experience usually isn't unless the doctor will state that it could be necessary to take off any time but many doctors will not provide such a blanket statement.  I have seen it approved for doctor appointments only for that condition after the initial days off.  

[cuddlesmama]

Thank you so much everyone much appreciated. Now I understand it better.

[CAcableGirl2]

@cuddlesmama  The intermittent FMLA is also used when you have a family member with a serious illness, such as someone that is going through cancer treatments, etc.  where you will need to take time off to assist that person but may not have a set schedule.  You have to use your own paid time off but you don't get "occurrences or unexcused absences" for being away from work.