/>iThe U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) recently issued additional clarification on it FAQs and guidance regarding the FMLA and the FFCRA in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some highlights include:
Telemedicine Visits Are “In-Person” Visits with a Healthcare Provider under the FMLA
Telemedicine visits (those medical appointments that are conducted by remote video conference via computers or mobile devices) will be considered as “in-person” visits with a health care provider under the FMLA. However, to be considered an “in-person” visit, the telemedicine appointment must:
- include an examination, evaluation, or treatment by a health care provider;
- be performed by video conference;
- and be permitted and accepted by state licensing authorities.
The DOL reasons that this approach serves the public’s interest because health care facilities and clinicians are under advisories to prioritize urgent and emergency visits and to preserve personal protective equipment and patient-care supplies. However, the DOL notes that telemedicine visits will be considered “in-person” visits only until December 31, 2020.
COVID-19 Tests May be Required Before Returning to Work From FMLA Leave
The DOL also provides updated guidance on whether an employer can require employees returning from FMLA leave to get a COVID-19 test before returning to work. The DOL explains that the FMLA does not prohibit an employer’s return-to-work COVID-19 testing requirement, as long as the testing requirement applies to all employees returning from any type of leave, whether FMLA or non-FMLA. Note, however, that an employer should also consider any applicable state law or order that may impose restrictions on when COVID-19 testing is permitted and what types of COVID-19 tests are permitted.
DOL Provides Insights into Reopening and Return to Work Scenarios under the FFCRA
The DOL also added additional questions and answers to the FAQs on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). In these new FAQs, the DOL explains:
- When an employee returns to work from FFCRA leave and there are lingering concerns regarding whether the employee is returning to work too soon and could potentially expose others to COVID-19, an employer may:
- Consider temporarily reinstating the employee to an equivalent position with less co-worker interaction or require the employee to telework, and
- Require an employee comply with job requirements that are unrelated to being out on FFCRA, such as a general requirement that any employee be tested for COVID-19, or telework, if the employee has interacted with a COVID-infected person. Such a requirement must apply to all employees.
- The DOL cautions that an employer may not require an employee to telework or be tested for COVID-19 simply because the employee took FFCRA leave.
- The FFCRA emergency paid sick leave is limited to a total of 80 hours, even if an employee took FFCRA before being furloughed and is now returning to work from furlough. Any balance under 80 hours of emergency paid sick leave can be taken through December 31, 2020 for qualifying reasons.
- If an employee took expanded FMLA prior to a furlough, an employee is still entitled to any balance of FMLA leave under 12 weeks upon returning to work after a furlough.
- An employer may not extend an employee’s furlough because the employee will need to take FFCRA leave to care for the employee’s child upon return to work. The DOL reminds employers that they may not discriminate or retaliate against employees (including prospective employees) for exercising or attempting to exercise rights under the FFCRA.
Links
Links to the updates discussed in this blog are below:
COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act Questions and Answers (See Questions 12 and 13 for more information on the above discussion.)
COVID-19 and the American Workplace (FFCRA FAQ) (See Questions 94-97 for more information on the above discussion.)
Employers are encouraged to continue to check for updates to DOL FAQs and guidance, which is continually evolving during this COVID-19 pandemic.
