15 Steps to Controlling FMLA Claims

CareWorks USA has outlined 15 action steps employers can take that will help them control intermittent claims and control costs associated with intermittent absences.

1. Clearly spell out your FMLA policy in the employee handbook.
2. Clearly spell out your policy on intermittent leave for bonding after birth or placement (yes, the employer has a choice whether to allow this.)
3. Run your FMLA concurrent with other applicable benefits.
4. Check Eligibility every new 12 month period.
5. Require Certification & Ensure the Certification is complete and legible.
6. Conduct a thorough review of the medical information ~ a medical professional such as a nurse can be critical in understanding the medical jargon written on the certification.
7. Include medical clarification in your review as necessary.
8. Require a Frequency & Duration on Certification.
9. DOL has given Employers the right to require employees to submit certification every 6 months – Certify claims for 6 months.
10. Make employees accountable – Require them to report every FMLA occurrence.
11. Ask your employee questions about his or her leave – every occurrence if necessary.
12. Temporarily transfer the employee to an alternate duty position while on leave.
13. Seek Fitness for duty – Employers can now conduct fitness for duty on intermittent cases (in association with an absence.)
14. Utilize 2^nd & 3^rd opinions when appropriate.
15. Partner with a vendor like CareWorks USA to help with administration, tracking and medical clarification.

Visit http://www.careworksabsence.com/leave-administration/ for more information on Family and Medical Leave Act.