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Sick Leave and Disability Management Program Human Resources | March 2012. Current Process. Currently Human Resources administers the sick leave program for longer term or frequent absences. This includes:
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Sick Leave and Disability Management Program Human Resources | March 2012
Current Process • Currently Human Resources administers the sick leave program for longer term or frequent absences. • This includes: • Ensuring there is appropriate medical documentation to support an absence and return work. • Providing employees with support they need throughout their absence. • Providing support to managers and employees during the return to work process.
Why the change? • Benefits of Early Intervention • Increasing complexity of sick leave claims • A program with consistent processes for sick leave & accommodation • Medical Information is reviewed and housed off-site which ensures confidentiality • Access to health care professionals with expertise in disability management, ensuring that employees and managers have the support they require
What has changed? • Sick Leave review process • Implementation of a third party medical service provider, for any absence greater than 5 consecutive days • Documentation required for a medical leave • Increase in the reimbursement amount for completion of medical form from $35 to $50
What has not changed? • Sick Leave benefits provided under your collective agreement or handbook • Process for absences less than 5 consecutive days • Process for absences related to the illness of a family member • Accommodated Return to work process
Who is Cowan? • Cowan Insurance Group is a third party medical case management service provider. They have a multidisciplinary team that includes: • Two Case Managers dedicated to WLU • Access to RNs, OccupationalHealth Nurses, Kinesiologists, and RPNs • Access to four Medical Consultants (physicians)
What is Cowan’s role? • Provide support to the employee and the University • Apply fair and consistent practices • Maintain confidentiality of all medical documentation • Make a recommendation based on received objective medical information • Provide information on return to work plans
Working with Cowan • WLU’s dedicated Case Manager from Cowan typically will contact you within 48 hours of receiving referral • Cowan Case Manager will provide an introduction and describe the process to you • Initial and regular communication is part of the process • Case Manager will discuss and gather more information as necessary, regarding your absence
Key Contacts Resources • Key information and documentation will be located in the employee and management toolboxes located on the Human Resources website http://www.wlu.ca/hr