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CIT processes and procedures related to
University Time Away from Work Policy 6.9 - Medical Leave
Original implementation as a CIT Protocol: September 1, 2005
Most Recent Revision: May 2006
Responsible CIT Division and Director: Office of Information Technologies - Human Resources, Linda Croll Howell
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Policy Statement
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Cornell University provides several kinds of leave to assist non-academic staff members to balance the demands of the workplace, their individual needs, and the needs of their families, in ways that accommodate the legitimate interests of campus units. To assist staff to meet these needs, this section of University Policy 6.9, Time Away from Work, establishes benefits that meet or exceed compliance standards of various statesą laws related to Workers' Compensation and Short-term disability, as well as federal standards under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
Link to University Policy
http://www.policy.cornell.edu/vol6_9_medical.cfm |
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CIT Implementation
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Overview
There are three categories that comprise Medical Leaves for Staff:
- Short-term Disability (Long-term Disability)
- Workers' Compensation
- Personal Medical Leave (FMLA)
CIT has established the following processes and procedures to ensure compliance with the associated university policies.
Please note that most policies and obligations contained in the university policy are not repeated in this document and employees are expected to go to the link provided at the beginning of this document for detailed information.
Employee Responsibilities
For all Medical Leaves, CIT employees are expected to:
- Read, understand, and comply with all provision of the university's
"Time Away from Work: Medical Leaves for Staff" policy and the processes/procedures in this document
- Consult with CIT HR to review eligibility, obtain appropriate forms, and/or understand specific leave requirements
- Provide required medical documentation to university Workersą Compensation and Disability Services (WCDS) of the Office of Human Resources representative
- Respond to all requests for information from supervisor, CIT HR or WCDS
- Maintain agreed upon communication with supervisor during leave period
Supervisor Responsibilities
For all Medical Leaves, CIT supervisors are expected to:
- Read, understand, and comply with all provision of the university's
"Time Away from Work: Medical Leaves for Staff" policy and the processes/procedures in this document
- Consult with CIT HR to review eligibility, obtain appropriate forms, and/or understand specific leave requirements
- Maintain contact with employee and CIT HR to ensure compliance with provisions of leave policy
- Forward any medical reports/information to WCDS (Surge III Facility) without reading or assessing this information (all medical information and records are maintained by WCDS)
Short-term Disability
For medical leave due to non-work related illness or injury such as maternity leave, surgery, etc., CIT employees must:
- Provide as much advance notification as possible to supervisor of need for Short-term Disability including approximate leave dates
- Provide required medical documentation
- Ensure time away from work records (e.g. COLTS or monthly time sheets) are up-to-date before leave begins
- Consult with CIT HR to verify if leave will be supplemented to receive full salary for duration of leave
- Submit required medical status reports verifying disability status to WCDS within indicated timeframe (WCDS will mail letter with form and instructions to employee's home address within 7 days of receiving leave notification from CIT HR)
- Provide medical clearance from treating physician(s) to CIT HR to return to work
Workers' Compensation
If a CIT employee suffers a work-related accident or injury, they must:
- Notify supervisor within 24 hours of incident
- Complete Accident Report [link] (if employee is unable, supervisor can complete)
- Contact CIT HR as soon as possible if there is a loss of time worked due to injury
- Provide medical documentation, if required
- If unable to work, inform supervisor and/or WCDS case manager when able to return to work and provide medical clearance from treating health care provider(s) to WCDS
Personal Medical Leave
If a CIT employee has a medical condition that does not qualify for Workers' Compensation or Short-term Disability coverage but may qualify under the FMLA, the employee should consult with CIT HR and WCDS to determine the employee's eligibility for appropriate medical leave coverage.
CIT HR will work closely with the employee and their supervisor to ensure employee's needs are addressed.
Medical Leaves for employees can be initiated by the employee or the supervisor; however, it is the employee's ultimate responsibility to pursue appropriate coverage including providing proper documentation.
Long-term Disability
If an employee is unable to return to work after 26 weeks of absence due to Workers' Compensation or Short-term Disability, the employee may apply for Long-term Disability benefits. CIT HR will work closely with the employee, WCDS, and manager to ensure appropriate paperwork is completed.
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Related Forms
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- University Forms
- Accident Report https://prp.ehs.cornell.edu/acc-inj/
- CIT Forms
- [None]
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Related Documents and Policies
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- University Documents and Policies
- HR Policies 6.9, Time Away from Work: Medical Leaves for Staff (Includes Short-term Disability, Workers' Compensation, and Personal Medical Leave)
http://www.policy.cornell.edu/vol6_9_medical.cfm
HR Policies 6.9, Time Away from Work (Excluding Academic and Bargaining Staff) (sections on Vacation, Holiday Time, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, Family Leaves for Staff)
http://www.policy.cornell.edu/vol6_9.cfm
University Policy 6.6.13, Flexibility in the Workplace
http://www.policy.cornell.edu/vol6_6_13.cfm
- CIT Documents and Policies
- [None]
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Violations
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Process
CIT HR will contact the employee and supervisor of any potential violations and consequences.
Consequences
Failure to provide required medical documentation may result in initiation of or denial of disability benefits payments. Paycheck delays may also occur if proper medical documentation is not submitted within specified time frames.
Delays in notification of intended leave to CIT HR may result in payroll overpayments requiring the employee to repay the overage.
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Definitions
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[Note: Definitions below provided from the university policy are in quote marks and term is marked with an asterisk; otherwise, they are CIT definitions.]
| Term |
Definition |
| Short-term Disability benefits* |
"Paid-for absences due to non-work-related injuries or illnesses" |
| Workers' Compensation* |
"Paid-for absences due to work-related injuries or illnesses" |
| Personal Medical Leave* |
"Medical condition of a staff member who would not qualify for coverage under the existing Cornell's Workers' Compensation or Short-term Disability plans in some situations." |
| Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA)* |
"Federal law requiring private employers of 50 or more employees to provide eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave" |
| Health Care Provider* |
"All New York State licensed physicians, dentists, psychologists, chiropractors, podiatrists, and nurse-midwives." |
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FAQ/Examples
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| Question |
Answer/Examples |
| I have a medical condition that may require me to be out of the office for undetermined periods of time. What are my options? |
Contact CIT HR or WCDS representative to determine what option may best fit your individual needs. |
| I am not comfortable sharing the fact that I have a medical condition that may impact my ability to perform my job. Am I required to disclose this information? |
We respect our employees' right to privacy and you are under no obligation to disclose any medical condition. However, you may want to consider contacting a WCDS representative who can provide guidance on how to address any workplace concerns related to your medical condition. |
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Contacts
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| Subject |
Contact |
Phone |
E-mail |
Policy Clarification Responsible Director |
Linda Croll Howell |
5-2590 |
llc36 |
Policy Clarification CIT HR Generalists |
Tammy Blasz Jennifer Russler Shannon Veley |
5-4981 5-3051 5-4636 |
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| Workers Compensation and Disability Services (WCDS) Office of Human Resources |
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5-7836 |
WCDS-mailbox@cornell.edu |
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