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At the heart of navigating the complexities surrounding an employee's serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) lies the WH-380-E form, a critical document designed to certify medical conditions for the U.S. Department of Labor. This form serves as a bridge between employers, employees, and healthcare providers, ensuring that all parties adhere to the detailed stipulations of the FMLA. The FMLA importantly offers employees the necessary protections when they are faced with health-related issues that require them to take time off from work, with the WH-380-E being a pivotal component of this process. It outlines specific criteria and expectations for both providing and receiving medical certification, highlights the timelines within which employees must submit their documentation, and sets forth the rights and responsibilities underpinning this process. Moreover, the document contains sections that need to be filled out by the health care provider, detailing the medical condition, the expected duration, and the type of leave required – whether continuous or intermittent. By doing so, it meticulously gathers the requisite information necessary for employers to make informed decisions regarding FMLA leave requests, while also maintaining confidentiality and compliance with relevant laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. Although the use of the form is optional, it represents a comprehensive approach to addressing serious health conditions in the workplace, facilitating a smoother navigation through the FMLA leave request and approval maze.

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Certification of Health Care Provider for

U.S. Department of Labor

Employee’s Serious Health Condition

Wage and Hour Division

under the Family and Medical Leave Act

 

DO NOT SEND COMPLETED FORM TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.

OMB Control Number: 1235-0003

RETURN TO THE PATIENT.

Expires: 6/30/2023

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides that an employer may require an employee seeking FMLA protections because of a need for leave due to a serious health condition to submit a medical certification issued by the employee’s health care provider. 29 U.S.C. §§ 2613, 2614(c)(3); 29 C.F.R. § 825.305. The employer must give the employee at least 15 calendar days to provide the certification. If the employee fails to provide complete and sufficient medical certification, his or her FMLA leave request may be denied. 29 C.F.R. § 825.313. Information about the FMLA may be found on the WHD website at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla.

SECTION I – EMPLOYER

Either the employee or the employer may complete Section I. While use of this form is optional, this form asks the health care provider for the information necessary for a complete and sufficient medical certification, which is set out at 29 C.F.R.

§825.306. You may not ask the employee to provide more information than allowed under the FMLA regulations, 29 C.F.R. §§ 825.306-825.308. Additionally, you may not request a certification for FMLA leave to bond with a healthy newborn child or a child placed for adoption or foster care.

Employers must generally maintain records and documents relating to medical information, medical certifications, recertifications, or medical histories of employees created for FMLA purposes as confidential medical records in separate files/records from the usual personnel files and in accordance with 29 C.F.R. § 1630.14(c)(1), if the Americans with Disabilities Act applies, and in accordance with 29 C.F.R. § 1635.9, if the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act applies.

(1)

Employee name: _______________________________________________________________________________

 

First

Middle

Last

(2)

Employer name: ________________________________________________ Date: _________________ (mm/dd/yyyy)

 

 

 

(List date certification requested)

(3)

The medical certification must be returned by ________________________________________________ (mm/dd/yyyy)

(Must allow at least 15 calendar days from the date requested, unless it is not feasible despite the employee’s diligent, good faith efforts.)

(4)Employee’s job title: ___________________________________________ Job description ( is / is not) attached.

Employee’s regular work schedule: __________________________________________________________________

Statement of the employee’s essential job functions: ____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(The essential functions of the employee's position are determined with reference to the position the employee held at the time the employee

notified the employer of the need for leave or the leave started, whichever is earlier.)

SECTION II - HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

Please provide your contact information, complete all relevant parts of this Section, and sign the form. Your patient has requested leave under the FMLA. The FMLA allows an employer to require that the employee submit a timely, complete, and sufficient medical certification to support a request for FMLA leave due to the serious health condition of the employee. For FMLA purposes, a “serious health condition” means an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves inpatient care or continuing treatment by a health care provider. For more information about the definitions of a serious health condition under the FMLA, see the chart on page 4.

You may, but are not required to, provide other appropriate medical facts including symptoms, diagnosis, or any regimen of continuing treatment such as the use of specialized equipment. Please note that some state or local laws may not allow disclosure of private medical information about the patient’s serious health condition, such as providing the diagnosis and/or course of treatment.

Page 1 of 4

Form WH-380-E, Revised June 2020

Employee Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Health Care Provider’s name: (Print) ____________________________________________________________________

Health Care Provider’s business address: ________________________________________________________________

Type of practice / Medical specialty: ___________________________________________________________________

Telephone: (___) ______________ Fax: (___) ______________ E-mail: _______________________________________

PART A: Medical Information

Limit your response to the medical condition(s) for which the employee is seeking FMLA leave. Your answers should be your best estimate based upon your medical knowledge, experience, and examination of the patient. After completing Part A, complete Part B to provide information about the amount of leave needed. Note: For FMLA purposes, “incapacity” means the inability to work, attend school, or perform regular daily activities due to the condition, treatment of the condition, or recovery from the condition. Do not provide information about genetic tests, as defined in 29 C.F.R. § 1635.3(f), genetic services, as defined in 29 C.F.R. § 1635.3(e), or the manifestation of disease or disorder in the employee’s family members, 29 C.F.R. § 1635.3(b).

(1)State the approximate date the condition started or will start: ___________________________________ (mm/dd/yyyy)

(2)Provide your best estimate of how long the condition lasted or will last: ____________________________________

(3)Check the box(es) for the questions below, as applicable. For all box(es) checked, the amount of leave needed must be provided in Part B.

Inpatient Care: The patient (has been / is expected to be) admitted for an overnight stay in a hospital,

hospice, or residential medical care facility on the following date(s): ______________________________

Incapacity plus Treatment: (e.g. outpatient surgery, strep throat)

Due to the condition, the patient (has been / is expected to be) incapacitated for more than three consecutive, full calendar days from ______________ (mm/dd/yyyy) to _____________ (mm/dd/yyyy).

The patient (was / will be) seen on the following date(s): _____________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

The condition (has / has not) also resulted in a course of continuing treatment under the supervision of a

health care provider (e.g. prescription medication (other than over-the-counter) or therapy requiring special equipment)

Pregnancy: The condition is pregnancy. List the expected delivery date: _______________ (mm/dd/yyyy).

Chronic Conditions: (e.g. asthma, migraine headaches) Due to the condition, it is medically necessary for the patient to have treatment visits at least twice per year.

Permanent or Long Term Conditions: (e.g. Alzheimer’s, terminal stages of cancer) Due to the condition, incapacity

is permanent or long term and requires the continuing supervision of a health care provider (even if active treatment is not being provided).

Conditions requiring Multiple Treatments: (e.g. chemotherapy treatments, restorative surgery) Due to the condition,

it is medically necessary for the patient to receive multiple treatments.

None of the above: If none of the above condition(s) were checked, (i.e., inpatient care, pregnancy) no additional information is needed. Go to page 4 to sign and date the form.

Page 2 of 4

Form WH-380-E, Revised June 2020

Employee Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

(4)If needed, briefly describe other appropriate medical facts related to the condition(s) for which the employee seeks FMLA leave. (e.g., use of nebulizer, dialysis) _______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

PART B: Amount of Leave Needed

For the medical condition(s) checked in Part A, complete all that apply. Several questions seek a response as to the frequency or duration of a condition, treatment, etc. Your answer should be your best estimate based upon your medical knowledge, experience, and examination of the patient. Be as specific as you can; terms such as “lifetime,” “unknown,” or “indeterminate” may not be sufficient to determine FMLA coverage.

(5)Due to the condition, the patient (had / will have) planned medical treatment(s) (scheduled medical visits) (e.g. psychotherapy, prenatal appointments) on the following date(s): ___________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

(6)Due to the condition, the patient (was / will be) referred to other health care provider(s) for evaluation or treatment(s).

State the nature of such treatments: (e.g. cardiologist, physical therapy) ________________________________________

Provide your best estimate of the beginning date ________________ (mm/dd/yyyy) and end date ________________

(mm/dd/yyyy) for the treatment(s).

Provide your best estimate of the duration of the treatment(s), including any period(s) of recovery (e.g. 3 days/week)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

(7)Due to the condition, it is medically necessary for the employee to work a reduced schedule.

Provide your best estimate of the reduced schedule the employee is able to work. From ____________________

(mm/dd/yyyy) to __________________ (mm/dd/yyyy) the employee is able to work: (e.g., 5 hours/day, up to 25 hours a week)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

(8)Due to the condition, the patient (was / will be) incapacitated for a continuous period of time, including any time for treatment(s) and/or recovery.

Provide your best estimate of the beginning date ___________________ (mm/dd/yyyy) and end date

________________ (mm/dd/yyyy) for the period of incapacity.

(9)Due to the condition, it (was / is / will be) medically necessary for the employee to be absent from work on an intermittent basis (periodically), including for any episodes of incapacity i.e., episodic flare-ups. Provide your best estimate of how often (frequency) and how long (duration) the episodes of incapacity will likely last.

Over the next 6 months, episodes of incapacity are estimated to occur ___________________________ times per ( day / week / month) and are likely to last approximately ______________ ( hours / days) per episode.

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Form WH-380-E, Revised June 2020

Employee Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

PART C: Essential Job Functions

If provided, the information in Section I question #4 may be used to answer this question. If the employer fails to provide a statement of the employee’s essential functions or a job description, answer these questions based upon the employee’s own description of the essential job functions. An employee who must be absent from work to receive medical treatment(s), such as scheduled medical visits, for a serious health condition is considered to be not able to perform the essential job functions of the position during the absence for treatment(s).

(10)Due to the condition, the employee (was not able / is not able / will not be able) to perform one or more of the essential job function(s). Identify at least one essential job function the employee is not able to perform:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of

Health Care Provider _____________________________________________ Date _________________ (mm/dd/yyyy)

Definitions of a Serious Health Condition (See 29 C.F.R. §§ 825.113-.115)

Inpatient Care

An overnight stay in a hospital, hospice, or residential medical care facility.

Inpatient care includes any period of incapacity or any subsequent treatment in connection with the overnight stay.

Continuing Treatment by a Health Care Provider (any one or more of the following)

Incapacity Plus Treatment: A period of incapacity of more than three consecutive, full calendar days, and any subsequent treatment or period of incapacity relating to the same condition, that also involves either:

OTwo or more in-person visits to a health care provider for treatment within 30 days of the first day of incapacity unless extenuating circumstances exist. The first visit must be within seven days of the first day of incapacity; or,

OAt least one in-person visit to a health care provider for treatment within seven days of the first day of incapacity, which results in a regimen of continuing treatment under the supervision of the health care provider. For example, the health provider might prescribe a course of prescription medication or therapy requiring special equipment.

Pregnancy: Any period of incapacity due to pregnancy or for prenatal care.

Chronic Conditions: Any period of incapacity due to or treatment for a chronic serious health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, migraine headaches. A chronic serious health condition is one which requires visits to a health care provider (or nurse supervised by the provider) at least twice a year and recurs over an extended period of time. A chronic condition may cause episodic rather than a continuing period of incapacity.

Permanent or Long-term Conditions: A period of incapacity which is permanent or long-term due to a condition for which treatment may not be effective, but which requires the continuing supervision of a health care provider, such as Alzheimer’s disease or the terminal stages of cancer.

Conditions Requiring Multiple Treatments: Restorative surgery after an accident or other injury; or, a condition that would likely result in a period of incapacity of more than three consecutive, full calendar days if the patient did not receive the treatment.

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT NOTICE AND PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT

If submitted, it is mandatory for employers to retain a copy of this disclosure in their records for three years. 29 U.S.C. § 2616; 29 C.F.R. § 825.500. Persons are not required to respond to this collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The Department of Labor estimates that it will take an average of 15 minutes for respondents to complete this collection of information, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. If you have any comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, send them to the Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor, Room S-3502, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

DO NOT SEND COMPLETED FORM TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR. RETURN TO THE PATIENT.

Page 4 of 4

Form WH-380-E, Revised June 2020

Document Attributes

Fact Number Fact Name Description
1 Form Identification The form is known as WH-380-E, a certification for an employee’s serious health condition under the FMLA.
2 Usage This form is used by healthcare providers to certify the serious health condition of employees seeking FMLA protection.
3 Governing Laws The Family and Medical Leave Act (29 U.S.C. §§ 2613, 2614(c)(3); 29 C.F.R. § 825.305) governs the use of this form.
4 Submission Deadline Employers must allow at least 15 calendar days for the form to be returned once requested.
5 Confidentiality Medical information provided must be maintained as confidential and stored separately from regular personnel files.
6 Section Details The form is divided into sections for the employer and healthcare provider to complete.
7 Prohibited Info Healthcare providers are restricted from disclosing genetic information or specifics of the diagnosis without consent due to state or local laws.
8 Penalties for Non-compliance Failure to provide a complete and sufficient medical certification may result in denial of FMLA leave.
9 OMB Control Number The OMB Control Number for WH-380-E is 1235-0003, ensuring its approval for use.
10 Form Expiration The current form expires on 6/30/2023, after which a new version may be required.

How to Fill Out Wh 380 E

Filling out the WH-380-E form is a critical step for employees seeking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) due to a serious health condition. This form allows employers to examine the employee's or a family member's health condition to determine eligibility for FMLA leave. It's important to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays or denials of the leave request. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

  1. Start with Section I – Employer Information. This can be filled out by either the employee or the employer. It includes:
    • The employee's full name (first, middle, last).
    • The employer's name and the date the certification was requested.
    • The deadline for returning the completed medical certification, allowing at least 15 calendar days from the request date.
    • The employee's job title, regular work schedule, and a statement of the employee's essential job functions. A job description may also be attached if available.
  2. Move on to Section II – Health Care Provider Information. This section involves detailed medical information and requires completion by a healthcare provider. Ensure that your healthcare provider fills out:
    • Their contact information, including name, business address, type of practice/medical specialty, telephone number, fax number, and email address.
    • Medical Information (Part A) regarding the condition, including the date when the condition started or will start, its expected duration, type of incapacity (if any), and any required inpatient care, pregnancy, chronic conditions, permanent or long-term conditions, conditions requiring multiple treatments, or any other relevant medical facts.
    • The Amount of Leave Needed (Part B), detailing the schedule for planned medical treatments, the necessity for reduced schedule or intermittent leave, and the expected duration and frequency of episodes of incapacity.
  3. In Part C: Essential Job Functions, if the employer has provided information about the employee's job functions in Section I, the healthcare provider should refer to it to determine if the employee is unable to perform any of their job duties due to the condition.
  4. Finally, the Health Care Provider's signature and date must be included at the end of Section II to certify the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.

After completing the form, remember not to send it to the Department of Labor but return it to the patient or submit it according to the employer's instructions. This ensures the privacy of your medical information and compliance with FMLA requirements.

More About Wh 380 E

  1. What is Form WH-380-E?
  2. Form WH-380-E is a document titled "Certification of Health Care Provider for U.S. Department of Labor Employee's Serious Health Condition" under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It's used by healthcare providers to certify the medical condition of employees requesting FMLA leave due to their own serious health conditions.

  3. Who needs to fill out Form WH-380-E?
  4. The healthcare provider of an employee who requests FMLA leave because of their own serious health condition must fill out this form. Either the employee or their employer can initiate completing Section I, but the healthcare provider is responsible for the detailed medical information in the subsequent sections.

  5. What information does Form WH-380-E require?
  6. The form requests specific medical information about the employee's health condition, including the start date, probable duration, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment plans, and any necessary accommodations or time off work. This form is meant to determine eligibility for FMLA leave based on the employee's health condition.

  7. Is there a deadline for submitting Form WH-380-E?
  8. Yes, employers must allow at least 15 calendar days from the date the certification is requested for the employee to provide the completed form. This timeline helps ensure timely processing of FMLA leave requests.

  9. Where should the completed Form WH-380-E be sent?
  10. The completed form should NOT be sent to the Department of Labor. It must be returned to the patient or directly to the employer, as it contains sensitive health information that pertains to the employee's FMLA leave request.

  11. Is it mandatory to use Form WH-380-E for FMLA certification?
  12. While the use of this form is optional, it is recommended because it requests all the information necessary for an employer to make an informed decision regarding an employee's FMLA leave request for a serious health condition.

  13. How is an employee’s privacy protected with this form?
  14. Employers are required to treat any health information gathered through this form as confidential medical records. These records should be kept in separate files from regular personnel files, in compliance with relevant privacy regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), as applicable.

  15. Can an employer ask for more information than what’s provided in Form WH-380-E?
  16. No, employers cannot request more information than allowed under the FMLA regulations. The form is designed to collect sufficient information needed to determine FMLA eligibility based on a serious health condition without violating privacy rights.

  17. What if the healthcare provider does not fill out the form correctly or completely?
  18. If the form is incomplete or insufficient, the employer must notify the employee and allow them a reasonable opportunity to rectify any deficiencies. This ensures that all parties have a fair chance to provide the necessary information for FMLA leave consideration.

  19. Are there any exceptions to providing a medical certification like Form WH-380-E for FMLA leave?
  20. An employer cannot request this medical certification for FMLA leave taken to bond with a healthy newborn child or a child placed for adoption or foster care. FMLA leave for these purposes does not require medical certification.

Common mistakes

Filling out the WH-380-E form, which is used for requesting leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) due to a serious health condition, requires attention to detail. Mistakes can result in delays or denial of leave. Here are common errors to avoid:

  1. Not allowing sufficient time for the health care provider to complete the form. The FMLA regulations provide at least 15 calendar days for the employee to submit the completed certification. Rushing this process can lead to incomplete information or mistakes.
  2. Leaving sections blank. Every section relevant to the employee’s situation must be completed. Missing information could lead to the request being deemed insufficient.
  3. Providing more information than what is required. The form should only include information necessary for the FMLA leave request. Over-disclosure may violate privacy regulations.
  4. Failure to specify the duration of the condition or leave needed. The health care provider must provide an estimate of how long the patient will require leave. Vague terms such as "lifetime," "unknown," or "indeterminate" are often not accepted.
  5. Omitting essential job functions in Section I. If the employer does not provide this information, the employee should describe the essential functions they cannot perform due to their condition.
  6. Incorrectly identifying the type of serious health condition. It's crucial to accurately classify the condition according to the FMLA definitions to ensure proper validation of leave eligibility.
  7. Not signing or dating the form. A health care provider’s signature and the date are necessary to validate the form. Unsigned or undated forms are incomplete.
  8. Miscalculating the frequency or duration of absences required. Especially for intermittent leave, precise estimates on the frequency and length of episodes of incapacity are needed for planning.
  9. Failure to update the form when conditions change. If an employee’s health status or leave needs change, a new form or additional documentation may be required.
  10. Submitting the completed form to the wrong party. The form should be returned to the patient or directly to the employer if the patient consents, but never sent to the Department of Labor.

In summary, carefully reviewing instructions, providing complete and accurate information, and submitting the form to the correct recipient are key steps in successfully completing the WH-380-E form.

Documents used along the form

When handling Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests, it's essential to understand that the Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition (WH-380-E) form is frequently just a starting point. In managing these requests, several other forms and documents might be used to ensure that the FMLA leave process is handled accurately and comprehensively. Below is a list of documents often used in conjunction with the WH-380-E form:

  1. WH-380-F: This form, Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member’s Serious Health Condition, is used when an employee requests FMLA leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. It gathers similar information to the WH-380-E but focuses on the family member's health status.
  2. WH-381: Notice of Eligibility and Rights & Responsibilities provides the employee with specific information regarding their eligibility for FMLA leave and outlines the expectations and obligations of both the employer and the employee during the FMLA leave process.
  3. WH-382: Designation Notice is used by employers to inform the employee whether the FMLA leave request has been approved or denied. This document also details the amount of leave that is designated as FMLA-protected.
  4. WH-384: Certification for Qualifying Exigency for Military Family Leave is necessary when the leave request is related to a qualifying exigency arising out of a family member’s active duty or call to active duty in the Armed Forces. This document addresses circumstances such as childcare, financial, and legal arrangements.
  5. WH-385: Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of a Current Servicemember — for Military Family Leave enables an employee to take FMLA leave to care for a spouse, child, parent, or next of kin who is a current service member with a serious injury or illness.
  6. WH-385-V: Certification for Serious Injury or Illness of a Veteran for Military Caregiver Leave is for employees requesting leave to care for a covered veteran with a serious injury or illness.
  7. Employee’s Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act: While not a form, this comprehensive guide is valuable for employees to understand their rights and responsibilities under the FMLA. It helps to clarify the FMLA process and ensures that employees are fully informed.
  8. FMLA Medical Certification Form: Specific to certain states, these forms might be required in addition to or instead of the WH-380-E, depending on state-specific regulations regarding FMLA leave.
  9. Job Description and Performance Evaluations: Not standard forms, but these documents can be crucial when assessing if an employee is unable to perform essential job functions due to their serious health condition or the condition of their family member.

Together, these forms and documents ensure that FMLA leave requests are processed accurately and fairly, protecting both the rights of the employee requesting leave and the operational needs of the employer. By understanding and correctly utilizing these tools, employers can navigate the complexities of FMLA leave, providing support to their employees during challenging times while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.

Similar forms

  • The WH-380-F form, Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member’s Serious Health Condition, is closely related to the WH-380-E. While the WH-380-E is for an employee's own health condition, the WH-380-F form is used when an employee requests FMLA leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Both forms require detailed information from a health care provider about the condition and the need for leave.

  • The ADA Disability Form, used for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, parallels the WH-380-E in its requirement for medical certification. Though it is designed for different purposes — accommodation for disabilities in the workplace versus medical leave — both forms require a health care provider to verify the existence of a medical condition and its impact on the employee's ability to work.

  • The USERRA Certification Form for military leave under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act shares similarities with the WH-380-E. It necessitates documentation for leave associated with military service, akin to how WH-380-E documents are needed for medical leave. Even though the circumstances for leave differ, both forms serve to protect the jobs of those who must be absent for valid reasons.

  • State-specific Paid Family Leave Forms, found in states with paid family leave laws, resemble the WH-380-E because they also require detailed medical certification for leave related to a serious health condition. The specific requirements may vary by state, but the underlying purpose aligns with the WH-380-E: to document the need for leave based on a health care provider's assessment.

  • The Short-term Disability Insurance Claim Form, used for applying for benefits through private or state disability insurance programs, similarly necessitates medical provider certification of a health condition that prevents work. Like the WH-380-E, this form collects information on the nature of the condition, treatment plans, and the estimated time away from work, albeit for the purpose of obtaining financial benefits rather than job-protected leave.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the WH-380-E form, which is the Certification of Health Care Provider for an employee’s Serious Health Condition under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), is a crucial step in accessing your FMLA benefits. To make this a smoother process, here are some do's and don'ts:

Do's:

  1. Read the form and instructions carefully to understand what information is required. This ensures that all necessary sections are completed accurately.
  2. Ensure that the health care provider fills out the form completely. Incomplete forms can delay processing and approval of FMLA leave.
  3. Provide clear and detailed medical information within the scope permitted under the FMLA. This includes specific dates, treatment plans, and an estimate of the time needed for leave.
  4. Maintain the confidentiality of the medical information. Submit the completed form directly to the appropriate person or department handling FMLA requests within your organization, not to the Department of Labor.
  5. Keep personal copies of the completed form and any correspondence related to the FMLA leave request. This documentation can be vital if there are any questions or disputes about your leave.

Don'ts:

  1. Don’t delay in submitting the form. Employers must give you at least 15 calendar days to provide the certification, but it’s wise not to wait until the last minute.
  2. Don’t provide more information than what is required. Stick to the details about the serious health condition and its impact on your ability to work, as specified in the form.
  3. Don’t forget to sign the form where necessary. An unsigned form may be considered incomplete.
  4. Don’t alter the form in any way. Falsifying or inaccurately representing your or the patient’s situation can lead to denial of leave, employment discipline, or other legal consequences.
  5. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you’re unsure about any part of the form, speaking with your HR department, health care provider, or legal advisor can provide clarity.

Misconceptions

When it comes to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the use of Form WH-380-E, several misconceptions often arise. Understanding these can ensure that both employees and employers navigate leave requests more effectively. Here's a look at some of the common misunderstandings:

  • Form WH-380-E must be sent to the Department of Labor (DOL). This is a misconception. The form, once completed, should not be sent to the Department of Labor but returned to the patient, as clearly stated in the form instructions.

  • Any health condition qualifies for FMLA leave. In reality, the FMLA leave is intended for serious health conditions as defined in the form and FMLA regulations. This includes conditions requiring inpatient care or continuing treatment by a healthcare provider.

  • The employer fills out the entire form. This isn't accurate. While it's true that either the employee or the employer may complete Section I of the form, the health care provider is responsible for filling out Section II, providing details about the employee's serious health condition.

  • There is no deadline for submitting the form. Contrary to this belief, employers must give employees at least 15 calendar days to provide the completed certification. Timeliness is crucial to avoid delays or denial of the leave request.

  • Submission of additional medical information is at the employer's discretion. This is incorrect. The FMLA regulations limit the amount of information that an employer can request. Form WH-380-E ensures that employers do not ask for more information than permitted under the FMLA.

  • Employers can use the information on the form for any purpose. This is a misconception. Employers must handle medical information and certifications as confidential medical records, stored separately from regular personnel files, and comply with applicable privacy regulations.

  • The form can be used to request FMLA leave for any type of absence. This is not true. The form is specifically designed for leaves due to an employee's serious health condition. Requests for leave to bond with a healthy newborn or for adoption/foster care do not use this form.

By clarifying these misunderstandings, both employees seeking leave and their employers can better adhere to the FMLA requirements, ensuring a smoother process for all involved.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the WH-380-E form, the Certification of Health Care Provider form for an Employee’s Serious Health Condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), is an integral step in requesting FMLA leave due to a serious health condition. Understanding the key aspects of this form can streamline the process for both employees and employers. Here are five key takeaways to consider:

  • The WH-380-E form is necessary for employees who seek FMLA protections because of a need for leave due to their own serious health condition. This form must be completed by the employee’s health care provider, providing clear certification of the condition that justifies the request for leave under FMLA guidelines.
  • The form emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding the employee's medical information. Employers are required to handle this documentation with a high degree of privacy, storing such medical certifications in separate files from the usual personnel files, in compliance with confidentiality requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (if applicable) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.
  • According to the FMLA regulations outlined in the document, employees are given a minimum of 15 calendar days from the date they are requested by their employer to provide the completed medical certification. This ensures that employees have sufficient time to obtain the necessary information from their health care providers.
  • The WH-380-E form allows health care providers to include detailed information about the employee's serious health condition, including the nature, duration, and required treatment of the condition. This portion of the form must be filled with attention to detail to ensure that the employer can accurately assess the validity and extent of the FMLA leave request.
  • The form should not be returned to the Department of Labor but rather, directly to the employee or the employer as indicated by the employer’s instructions. This step ensures that the process remains streamlined and that the employer receives the necessary documentation to proceed with the FMLA leave approval process.

Properly completing and handling the WH-380-E form is crucial in facilitating the FMLA leave process for employees dealing with serious health conditions. Both employers and employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the requirements and provisions outlined in the FMLA and related documentation to ensure compliance and support a smooth leave process.

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