Fmla Question

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Specializes in PACU, CCU, Agency Nursing.

Hi,

Just a quick question about Fmla.

Does your manager have the right to know the reason you were granted Fmla?

Thanks a bunch!

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

As a Manager the FMLA paperwork is sent to me from HR, it goes into a staff members file.

I have never questioned if I should get it or not.

Why do you think your manager shouldn't get the paperwork?

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Specializes in PACU, CCU, Agency Nursing.

My dx is psychiatric in nature and we all know that carries stigma. I dont feel that my manager shouldnt know, I just wanted to know if they had a right to know!

Thanks for the speedy reply!

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

I would hope your manager would be understanding and support you, rather than judge.

I can however understand your dilemma, if it is a new diagnoses you need time to adjust I think you may find people are more sympathetic and supportive because psychiatric diagnoses are becoming so common these days.

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Specializes in Cardiac step down unit.

I was granted intermittent FMLA, and I made copies of everything and gave them to my manager. When I mentioned this to employee health, they said I didn't have to give her a thing, that they give her copies of what she needs to see and know, that it is between me, employee health, and HR.

Kelly

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Well it should actually be handled through your HR Dept. I have a pseudo tumor cerebri and I was out for an extended time. I had a very nosy manager who told me I had to bring my doctor's notes strictly to her. When I called and spoke with the lady at HR that handled FMLA, she told me that my manager had NO RIGHT to know the reason or anything about my medical issues. She said HIPAA laws still protect the employee. So I would make sure with your HR department that this is covered under HIPAA and let them know you want this to be confidential. That should really not have to be said, it should be known.

Good luch to you, I hope the time off will help you re-group and get back on your feet!! Sending healing (((((((((hugs)))))))))) your way!!

Pink

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Hi,

Just a quick question about Fmla.

Does your manager have the right to know the reason you were granted Fmla?

Thanks a bunch!

Absolutely not. They only need to know when you'll be out, when you'll be back and if you'll need any sort of accommodations to do your job.

Don't let anyone fool you into believing your manager needs to know your private medical information. Think HIPAA.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I would hope your manager would be understanding and support you, rather than judge.

I can however understand your dilemma, if it is a new diagnoses you need time to adjust I think you may find people are more sympathetic and supportive because psychiatric diagnoses are becoming so common these days.

In a perfect world, sure. IRL, you have neither the need nor right to know why an employee is on FMLA.

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Specializes in 10.

The only person who knows what is written on the FMLA form is Human Resources. They then send a general notice to your manager,and you letting you and them know you were approved, for how long, and what guidelines you need to follow while on FMLA. You usually need to forward notes to Human Resources, you don't need a written diagnosis, your MD can put your Dx number on the note.

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Managers do not have the right to know what is wrong. HR should work and process the paper work. While I do believe there are caring managers, there are managers who are not looking at your best interest. I would trust your gut instinct and only disclose what you feel comfortable.

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As a Manager the FMLA paperwork is sent to me from HR, it goes into a staff members file.

I have never questioned if I should get it or not.

Why do you think your manager shouldn't get the paperwork?

Does the paper work from HR include diagnosis ? I believe when I have filed HR only mentions if I qualified and how long, if there are questions about my medical it is handled by Occ Health.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

I think this is an interesting topic something I have never concerned myself with because I had never thought about it before.

I have often advised staff and even asked HR to send FMLA paperwork out for somebody because I have found many staff dont understand when, how and why they can ask for it

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