EIU Office of Internal Auditing

#37 - Medical Clearance After Absence Due to Illness or Injury

Approved: January 6, 2021

Monitor: Vice President for Business Affairs

If an employee is absent because of illness or injury for a period of more than five (5) consecutive working days, the following policy shall apply: 

1. The employee must have submitted a Family and Medical Leave/Mom-FMLA Leave of Absence form in accordance with Internal Governing Policy #6.
2. The employee shall provide to the Department of Human Resources a written statement and/or opinion from a health care provider, as defined by the Family and Medical Leave Act, that the employee is medically fit to perform the essential functions of the employee's position before being allowed to return to work. The health care provider's notice must state the employee's ability to return to work, restrictions, if any, and the time limitation of such restrictions.
3. The University reserves the right to have a second opinion, from a health care provider of its choice at the University's expense, to determine if the employee is capable of performing the essential functions of his/her position.

If the employee is not considered medically capable of performing the essential functions of his/her position, the employee shall not receive medical clearance to return to work.

When the employee is considered medically capable of returning to work, the Department of Human Resources shall advise the employee and the supervisor that the employee may return to work.