OPM discusses the use of travel sick leave for medical purposes

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OPM: “An employee may find it necessary to travel long distances, including outside the state, for medical treatment. In such cases, sick leave may be used to cover travel time.” Image dele kurhan / Shutterstock.com

Following is a recent Q&A report from the OPC regarding the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on abortion.


Obtaining a travel sick leave for medical care

The purpose of these frequently asked questions is to make it clear that federal employees may use sick leave for travel related to medical services.

Can sick leave be used to cover travel time for a federal employee’s medical examination or treatment?

yes. The agency must give the employee sick leave to receive medical examination or treatment. 5 CFR 630.401. Receiving that medical examination or treatment usually involves a trip, and the trip may be covered by sick leave, which is the time of travel during the employee’s visit for the purpose of paid leave. Such trips are generally short distances – for example, to and from a local doctor’s office or hospital – and an employee may find it necessary to travel long distances, including outside the state, for medical care. In such cases, sick leave can be used to cover the necessary travel time.

Can a family member’s sick leave be used to cover travel time for a federal employee accompanying a family member to a medical examination or treatment facility?

yes. An agency must grant sick leave to the employee so that the “family member” (as described in 5 CFR 630.201 (b)) receives medical examination or treatment, in accordance with the applicable annual limit. 5 CFR 630.401 (a) (3). An employee’s travel time is covered by sick leave as described in Question 1 regarding family member treatment.

OPM explained this in previous questions: “Can I use a sick leave to take a family member to a medical appointment? Sick leave The purpose of OPM rules governing the use of family care is to allow the employee to provide physical care and other assistance to a family member as appropriate. This may include transportation, and / or going to a health care provider’s office or hospital or other health care facility with a family member.

When should an agency promote sick leave to a federal employee?

If an employee does not accumulate sufficient sick leave to meet the employee’s needs, the agency may grant higher sick leave. This sick leave can be used by the employee to get a medical examination or treatment or to provide the family member with medical care or treatment, within the appropriate annual limit. 5 CFR 630.402. The employee’s travel time for access to this medical service is covered by the maximum sick leave as described in Question 1.

How should a federal employee apply for sick leave?

An employee must apply for sick leave within the time frame required by the agency. 5 CFR 630.404. The agency may ask the staff to request a higher medical leave for medical examination or treatment. If the employee complies with the agency’s advertising and certification requirements (see question 5 below), the agency must grant sick leave.

What kind of supporting evidence must a federal employee provide for sick leave?

An employee must provide administratively acceptable evidence to use sick leave. 5 CFR 630.405. An agency may self-certify an employee as an administrative proof of the employee’s absence, regardless of the remaining time. Absences of more than three business days (or temporary if required by the agency) may require the employee to provide a medical certificate or other administratively acceptable evidence. A medical certificate simply means a written statement signed by a doctor or other professional confirming that the employee has received a diagnosis or treatment; It should not contain details about the medical examination or treatment. 5 CFR 630.201 (b).

In addition to sick leave and advanced sick leave, what other options are available to a federal employee who needs medical examination or treatment?

An employee may be eligible for a grant through the Agency’s Voluntary Transfer Program (VLTP) or Voluntary Banking Program (VLBP). With VLTP (which agencies must manage), one employee may receive an annual leave directly from another employee. With VLBP (which agencies are not required to administer), an employee can receive annual leave if they are a holiday bank member. Under these programs, an employee must be experiencing a “medical emergency” in order to be eligible for leave, which means that the employee or family member has a medical condition that requires the employee to stay out of work for a longer period of time, which can lead to problems. Significant loss of income due to non-payment. 5 CFR 630.902, 5 CFR 630.909, 5 CFR 630.1009, 5 CFR 630.1002. The employee must complete his / her payroll prior to obtaining a VLBP / VLTP permit and be on leave for at least 24 hours without pay. An employee may use a VLBP / VLTP license to make the necessary travel arrangements for medical care as described in Question 1.

In addition, the worker is entitled to a 12-week FMLA leave for any qualifying period, including a serious medical condition in which the employee is unable to perform one or more of the required activities. Place, or care for a family member with a serious health problem. 5 CFR 630.1203 (a). An employee may use an FMLA license for a trip necessary to obtain medical care for an employee or family member as described in Question 1.

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