State Rule 5-9 indicates a Fitness to Return Certification is required if an absence is more than 30 days for the employee’s own condition.

The certification may be required for absences of 30 or fewer days when it is a business necessity given the nature of the condition in relation to the assignment. It cannot be required for those taking intermittent family/medical leave.

The employee is allowed at least 15 calendar days from the date of the request to provide the required certificate. Failure to provide a fitness-to-return certification as instructed could result in delay of return, a requirement for a new medical certification, or administrative discharge as defined in the next rule.