This comprehensive two-day workshop will equip HR and Vocational Rehabilitation professionals with a proven system for managing and controlling Medical Leaves and Accommodations in the workplace. Spanning over 30 years of best practices, Beth De Lima, MBA, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP, iMBA, covers key regulations, including FMLA, ADA, state and federal Pregnancy Disability regulations, the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), Workers’ Compensation, and Paid Family Leave/State Disability Insurance (PFL/SDI). Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating the complexities of overlapping Leave and Accommodation regulations, ensuring compliance, and minimizing legal risks.

Learning Objectives:

• Master the end-to-end process of managing Medical Leaves and Accommodations.

• Understand how to integrate FMLA, ADA, PWFA, Workers' Compensation, and PFL/SDI into company policies.

• Learn best practices for implementing FMLA and coordinating it with other state and federal leave types.

• Gain skills in controlling and managing ADA Medical Absences and accommodations.

• Develop strategies for implementing performance management under ADA, FMLA, and Workers' Compensation.

• Learn how to effectively handle complaints of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation from protected employees.

Course Outline:

1. Comprehensive Management of Medical Leaves and Accommodations

o Overview of key regulations (FMLA, ADA, PWFA, state/federal Pregnancy regulations, Workers’ Compensation, PFL/SDI).

o Employee Life Cycle management from recruitment to transition between leaves.

o Paid vs. unpaid leaves, benefits protection, medical certificates, and leave eligibility.

2. Best Practices for Implementing and Managing FMLA

o Practical strategies for FMLA compliance and integration with Workers' Compensation and company policies.

o Training staff on new regulations, medical certificates, and preventing fraud.

o Challenges of Intermittent Leaves and developing an Integrated Medical Leave and Accommodation Management System™.

3. Controlling Medical Absences and Accommodations

o Introduction to the Integrated Medical Leave and Accommodation Management System™.

o HR Standards and Best Practices for reducing costs and stress from someone who has been working in this industry for over 30 years.

4. Managing ADA and Coordinating with Other Leave Types

o Conducting Good Faith Interactive Meetings and Undue Hardship Analysis.

o Developing Essential Functions Job Assessments and documenting the process.

o Identifying and addressing potential fraud and abuse.

5. Implementing Performance Management and Handling Complaints

o Strategies for performance management under ADA, FMLA, Pregnancy, and Workers' Compensation.

o Handling complaints of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation from protected employees.

o When and how to implement or terminate an employee on protected leave.

Who Will Benefit:

• Professionals responsible for managing Leaves and Accommodations.

• Compliance officers and managers dealing with FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation.

• Business owners and executives seeking to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize legal risks.

• Legal professionals advising on employment law and workplace accommodations.

Topic Background:

Managing Medical Leaves and Accommodations requires a deep understanding of various regulations, including FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation. With the introduction of the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and evolving state-specific leave laws, staying compliant while ensuring smooth operations has become increasingly challenging. This workshop addresses these challenges by providing professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate this complex landscape effectively and efficiently.

Agenda Day 1:

1. Comprehensive Management of Medical Leaves and Accommodations

o Overview of FMLA, ADA, PWFA, Workers' Compensation, and PFL/SDI.

o Transitioning between different types of leave and understanding leave eligibility.

2. Best Practices for Implementing and Managing FMLA

o FMLA compliance strategies, staff training, and fraud prevention.

o Managing medical certificates and dealing with Intermittent Leaves.

3. Controlling Medical Absences and Accommodations

o Introduction to the Integrated Medical Leave and Accommodation Management System™.

o Applying HR Standards and Best Practices for effective leave management.

Agenda Day 2:

1. Managing ADA and Coordinating with Other Leave Types

o Conducting Good Faith Interactive Meetings and Undue Hardship Analysis.

o Developing and documenting Essential Functions Job Assessments.

o Strategies for identifying and addressing fraud and abuse.

2. Implementing Performance Management and Handling Complaints

o Implementing performance management under ADA, FMLA, Pregnancy, and Workers’ Compensation.

o Handling harassment, discrimination, and retaliation complaints from protected employees.

o Effective use of counseling forms, warnings, and termination processes.