Pregnancy and Sickpool

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From: Ruffner, Courtney
Sent: Sat 3/1/2008 2:57 PM
To: Sklenicka, Gerry; Beck, Margaret Z.; Rosen, John
Cc: Loccisano, Joseph; Laborda,Jeff; Hundley, Raymond; Jones, Michael; Grieneisen, Jeff; Rizk, Felix
Subject: RE: sick leave pool question [FURTHER CLARIFICATION]

Thanks, Gerry. Please forgive my ignorance with this issue. Can you clarify just a bit further for me. Are you saying that if a doctor says that a mother should not return to work for a said amount of time (one week or 6 weeks, etc) due to some sort of pregnancy related disability then the sick leave pool would kick into action? Yes Of course, the mother would be able to present a note from her doctor documenting her pregnancy related disability. Correct, the employee would need to provide a note from the physican documenting the disability Just out of curiosity, and you may not know this answer, what would constitute a pregnancy related disability? Only a physican could determine what constitutes a pregnancy related disability Would this only apply to a C-section birth? Not necessarily and just to clarify further for me: the sick leave pool would only kick in after all of the mother's sick days have been utilized. Is that correct? Yes, that is correct

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From: Sklenicka, Gerry
Sent: Fri 2/29/2008 2:57 PM
To: Ruffner, Courtney; Beck, Margaret Z.; Rosen, John
Cc: Loccisano, Joseph; Laborda,Jeff; Hundley, Raymond; Jones, Michael; Grieneisen, Jeff; Rizk, Felix
Subject: RE: sick leave pool question

Courtney,

In response to your sick leave pool question regarding pregnancy leave –

Your Q:

Does the sick leave pool now cover pregnancy leave that is required by doctor order? Meaning that if the doctor says you cannot go back to work for six weeks, the pool would cover that time (once the required sick time has been used)?

A. The sick leave pool revision approved in January was simply a clarification of language regarding use during pregnancy. There had been some mis-understanding of the previous rule language specifically the underlined item. The revision was needed to clarify that the sick leave pool could be used for pregnancy and childbirth if a member’s physician indicates a member is unable to work for a specified amount of time due to a disability, similar to any other disability, requiring written documentation from a physician.

The previous sick pool use related to pregnancy and childbirth stated:

Disabilities resulting from pregnancy or childbirth are eligible medical conditions for using Pool benefits. The Pool may not be used for childcare. Leave from the Pool may not be used to extend maternity leave beyond the duration as specified by the member’s physician as required in section E.1. of this rule.

The revised sick pool use, in order to provide clarification states:

Disabilities resulting from pregnancy or childbirth as specified by the member’s physician as required in section E.1 of this rule are eligible medical conditions for using Pool benefits. The Pool may not be used for childcare.

E.1. of the sick leave pool states:

Use of leave from the Pool will require, in all cases, an Application for Sick Leave Pool Benefits completed by the member, and a letter from the employee’s treating physician. The letter must certify that the member is unable to perform the essential functions of the job, and estimate the anticipated duration of the disability. The physician will be provided a copy of the member’s job description.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Gerry

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From: Ruffner, Courtney
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 12:50 PM
To: Sklenicka, Gerry; Beck, Margaret Z.; Rosen, John
Cc: Loccisano, Joseph; Laborda, Jeff; Hundley, Raymond; Jones, Michael; Grieneisen, Jeff; Rizk, Felix
Subject: sick leave pool question
Importance: High

The message below has been sent to HR for clarification. There has been no clarification given for the following concern. Could one or all of you clarify so I can post your response for the faculty who are concerned about this wordage? Thank you in advance.

3. REVISED RULE FOR SICK LEAVE POOL (Ms. Peg Beck): two major changes in the rules - pregnancy leave covered by sick pool is limited to mother's disability, not subsequent child care absences; and a member of the sick pool must apply for coverage within 10 days of the absence, unless good cause can be shown making this impossible. - approved.