The best way to verify medical leave requests

You value your employees. Help make their transition from work to family medical leave as easy and seamless as possible. At Lyrad Health, we help simplify the FMLA medical certification process, so employers can get back to work and employees can focus on their health or the health of an immediate family member.

What is the Family Medical Leave Act?

The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1933 is a United States labor law requiring covered employers to provide their employees with up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons per year. It also requires the employees’ existing health benefits be maintained throughout the leave.

Under FMLA, eligible employees may take leave for their own serious health conditions that render them unable to perform the essential functions of their position or care for immediate family members (i.e., spouse, child, or parent) with serious health conditions.

Section 101(11) of FMLA defines serious health condition as “an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves:

1. inpatient care in a hospital, hospice, or residential medical care facility; or
2. continuing treatment by a health care provider.”

What exam is needed?

FMLA medical certification is generally required when an employee or a direct family member sustains a serious health condition that requires time off work for caregiving and recuperation.

Employers typically respond to FMLA leave requests by providing the employee with the Notice of Eligibility and Rights & Responsibilities (Form WH-381) and a medical certification form. Except in the case of pregnancy, adoption and prenatal care, an independent medical examination is often required to determine the employee’s initial (or continuing) eligibility for FMLA benefits.

How is it performed?

During a Family Medical Leave Act examination, a medical professional will ask the care recipient a series of health-related questions to better understand their medical history (regarding the specific health condition). They will also determine how long the health condition may last, identify the type of care needed (e.g., inpatient care; care for chronic conditions, permanent or long-term conditions, or conditions requiring multiple treatments) and provide an approximate amount of medical leave needed.

Why is the exam needed?

Complete and authentic FMLA medical certifications are essential to prevent abuse of FMLA leave and are used to determine whether a serious health condition exists as well as the seriousness of the condition.

Lyrad Health is your trusted partner

Our certified medical examiners are fully equipped to perform Family Medical Leave Act examinations for your employees as needed. Our treatment services are fair and ethical, as well as fully compliant with the ADA. These exams are fast and easy, allowing you to keep your mind on the business.

To request a consultation, call 972-639-3992 or use our easy online contact form.