The Family and Medical Leave Act
The FMLA Requires Us to Provide Up to 12 Weeks of Leave per Year to Eligible Residents for Certain Family and Medical Reasons
- GME Policy on Family and Medical Leave for Residents explains FMLA compliance obligations and process, as does University Policy 2-21 .
Promptly Refer All Residents With Any Family or Medical Related Absence that Has or Will Exceed One Week to GME and the Benefits Department
- Residents who need any leave for family or medical reasons in excess of one (1) week must inform their program directors and the GME Office call 581-2401 immediately to allow time to arrange clinical coverage.
- Upon learning that a Resident is requesting or may need FMLA leave, the Program Director must notify the GME Office, and must instruct the Resident to contact the Benefits Department call 581-7447 or email benefits@hr.utah.edu or apply for FMLA online .
- Residents are required to provide the Benefits Department with at least 30 days notice before FMLA leave is to begin, or within two (2) business days in the case of an unforeseen emergency. The Benefits Department will approve or disapprove the FMLA leave and will coordinate with GME and the Program as needed.
Follow the Other Requirements of the GME FMLA Policy
- Program Directors should make every effort to schedule pregnant Residents on lighter rotations, with as little night call as possible, near the expected due date.
- Each program is expected to have a leave policy in writing that complies with the GME FMLA policy.
Get Input and Support From GME, Benefits and OGC
- GME Office (581-2401), Benefits Department call 581-7447 or email benefits@hr.utah.edu
- The Office of General Counsel (OGC) (call 585-7002 or email scott.smith@legal.utah.edu) provides legal advice on FMLA issues involving residents and faculty and staff.
Don't Worry - Let the FMLA Experts Work Out Leave Issues With Program Director and GME Input
- Program Directors and GME will retain all decision making authority the law allows.
