FMLA - What do I have to tell my boss | Arthritis Information

Hello,

I have filled out my fmla papers and recieved them back from HR approved. What exactly do I have to tell my boss when I call in for a day off sick? My boss is a good one but I'm really not comfortable going into detail about my ailments. I've searched around the net for an answer to this to no avail. Thanks.

I'm not an expert, legal or otherwise, but I believe you are simply required to tell your boss that you are sick and unable to come in. My company uses a third party (MetLife) to handle their FMLA and STD just for confidentiality reasons.

If your boss has questions, I would say that you are uncomfortable talking about the medical details and ask him/her to contact HR.

Don't go into detail about illnesses. Simply calling in and saying "I'm not feeling well" is sufficient. It is illegal for them to ask for details of your illness, so don't volunteer. Some employers require a doctor's note for illnesses lasting three or more days. Doctors always word it vaguely for your protection. Once an employer asked me for a "diagnosis and prognosis" for an extended illness (surgery). My doctor nearly came unglued and explained to me that it was none of their business and an illegal question. Going into detail sets a bad precedent.

Nothing to add, but great answers ladies. Welcome RVer

OK, thanks for your thoughts. I've only taken 4 days off in 3 months and 3 of those were to dr. appointments. Thanks again.

rver.

Rver, I have a question. Why did you have to take fml leave for a day off
sick, here or there? Isn't that for long term time off? Just wondering if it is
different where you live? FMLA may be taken intermittently - even as little as a half-day at a time. It's federal - anyone who works for a large employer (over 75 employees?) has the right to take intermittent FMLA for themselves or for the care of an immediate family member who is ill (assuming proper certification). That way, once you've hit your maximum paid time off (sick/vacation/personal), you can still miss work and not lose your job. Your employer is not bound to pay you during FMLA, but some do. In essence, you can use FMLA to temporarily drop down to part-time if need be, up to a total of 12 weeks off per year.

They can also move you to a different job if your FMLA is impacting business, but they can't demote you.
JasmineRain39426.9042361111

lorster,

JasmineRain covered your question pretty well except it is for empoyers with over 50 employees.

What my fmla papers say is "chronic intermitent".

Thanks,

rver.

It also doesn't apply if you're in the top echelon of your company (senior management, executives, etc) who are the top 5% (or is it 10%?) wage earners. Rver, I don't have any advice to add as I really don't have any experience with FMLA. I just wanted to say welcome and good luck! Hope you have a superfantastic and extra comfortable day!

Or if its a dr appt then, I wont be in or I'm coming in late or leaving early for a dr's appt. It's FMLA!

As long as you tell them it's FMLA, that ends it. They can't ask either. Just turn in all your papers and your good to go. (as long as your dr approves your time off)

Hope that helps!

Kathy