BACKGROUND:

The Human Resources Department, assisted by the County Attorney's Office, has been reviewing the County's Personnel Policy Manual in order to update existing policies in a number of areas.  At this point, staff is proposing revisions to the following specific policy:  Family and Medical Leave Act (P-90).

STRATEGIC PLAN:

4.1  Provide effective, responsive and courteous service to our customers.

DISCUSSION:

The proposed policy contains a number of changes.  First, the definitions section has been revised to reflect legal requirements set forth in the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.  Second, language has been added to clarify eligibility requirements for employees, including situations where both parents are employed by the County.  Third, the policy clarifies that eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of leave during a 12-month period, that employees may take intermittent leave or work a reduced schedule in order to take FMLA leave to care for a seriously ill family member or for the employee's own serious health condition.  Fourth, the policy clarifies the requirements pertaining to medical certification.  Fifth, the policy requires the substitution of accrued paid sick and/or annual leave as part of the total 12 weeks of FMLA leave.  Other changes to the policy include clarification of the notification requirements for employees who desire to take FMLA leave and requirements pertaining to return to work once FMLA leave is completed.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Staff recommends adoption of the attached Resolution, which will approve the proposed changes to personnel policy P-90.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A – Resolution to adopt Personnel Policy P-90 amendment

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