Family and Medical Leave

Henry County Schools Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 is a federal law that provides covered employees with the right to an unpaid leave of absence for up to 60 days within a 12-month period, in order to address certain personal and or certain family member’s serious medical conditions

 (Please click here for more details).

Employees of Henry County Schools who have been employed for at least 12 months and who have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12-month period immediately preceding the commencement of the leave are eligible to take unpaid leave under FMLA.

When to Request FMLA

If you meet the above qualifications and need to take leave for one of the qualifying health reasons you may apply for FMLA.  A 30-day notice of pending leave is required when the leave is foreseeable. In any event, written notice in the form of this application should be submitted by you as soon as possible.

Failure to submit a completed FMLA application (including supporting documentation such as medical certification) within 15 days of absence could result in automatic denial of FMLA and possible employment action.

Be sure to notify your administrator/bookkeeper concerning your leave and
follow the leave reporting protocol for your work location.

How to locate FMLA information?

Go to www.henry.k12.ga.us
Click <Divisions>
Click <Human Resource Services>
Click the > option to expand the selection
Locate and Click <Family and Medical Leave Act>

Review all FMLA informational resources located on our District’s website and in the helpful links below. It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure all FMLA general information and instructions,  Frequently Asked Questions are reviewed, all FMLA application guidelines are followed, and the completed FMLA application form (via the eFMLA link)

Step 1: Applying for FMLA

Initiate a request for FMLA leave using the following link: FMLA Leave Application

• Verify information and click “Submit.
• Please use your preferred email address. All correspondence will be sent to the email address you designate during this step of the FMLA application.
   

• You will receive an email from the FMLA Administrator with a link to create your account and begin your FMLA Request.

Be sure to check email from “FMLA Administrator” (also junk or spam) for the email to
the second step of the request process.

Click on the link received to create your account and complete the form.

 

Step 2: Certification of Health Care Provider Form

• Along with notification of eligibility status, you will be asked to provide either a ESHC or
  FMSHC in the eFMLA system. Please review the email and all documents received carefully.
• To complete your application for leave under FMLA, this document MUST be completed, signed, and submitted by the medical provider to the Human Resources Specialist or via the eFMLA portal within 15 business days. 

The FMLA office does not request this medical certification on the employee’s behalf.

Step 3: Determination

Once your medical documentation is received by Human Resources, your request will be processed, and you will receive a Designation notification via email/eFMLA portal. 

• Review the Designation Notice completely including the “Additional Notes” and follow all the instructions.  This could include return to work documentation requirements, the Intermittent FMLA reporting process, or a request for additional information needed to make a determination.

Step 4: While on FMLA

• Follow the normal leave protocol established by your principal/supervisor including notification of absences in writing, submitting leave request submission within Access HCS.

  Your leave will be updated appropriately once a determination is made.
   

• You may not visit any work premises unless is by advanced permission of your principal/supervisor at a specific date and time for the purpose of conducting business is the main office or in the capacity of a parent whose child(ren) attend that specific school.

Note: It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure the FMLA application guidelines are followed, and the completed FMLA application form is submitted to the FMLA Office (including all medical certification and clarification requested).

Step 5: Returning to Work (from Block FMLA only)

Block FMLA leave requires you to follow return to work requirements within Designation Notice
PRIOR to you being allowed to return to work.

Block FMLA for Your Own Serious Health Condition: 

• Locate the Return-to-Work document within your eFMLA portal.

• Send to your original provider certifying the need for FMLA leave the Return to Work form.
  The FMLA office does not request this medical certification on the employee's behalf

• Provide the completed Return to Work document to the FMLA office.  All questions should be completed by your original medical provider.

• Once received, the FMLA office will process the return-to-work documentation and you will receive an email with your official return to work date (your principal/administrator
  will also be included). 

• Any prescribed restrictions or workplace accommodations must be processed through the Restrictions Committee/ADA office and a determination made before you may return to work. 

• If you are released with full duties, you must still receive the official email clearing you to return to work with a return date.

Block FMLA for Your Own Serious Health Condition: 

• Provide email notification to your principal/supervisor and the FMLA office at least 2 days prior confirming your return to work date.

• Once received, the FMLA office will process the return to work request and you will receive an email with your official return to work date (your principal/administrator will also be included). 
   

If you have any questions, please contact the FMLA office by emailing:
FMLA@henry.k12.ga.us