When an employee submits a medical, caregiver, or extended parental leaves, we require them to provide a medical certification.
What is considered a extended parental leave?
What is considered a extended parental leave?
Extended parental leave applies to birthing parents. It refers to time that goes beyond the presumed period of disability. The presumed period of disability is 6 weeks for vaginal delivery, and 8 weeks of time for a C-section. See more information on How Cocoon Approves a Parental Leave.
Medical certifications may be required by employers, states or private insurance carriers. Each requires medical certifications in connection with different benefits:
Employers require Medical Provider Certifications to support requests for leave under federal and state law (including the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)) due to an employee’s own serious health condition (medical or extended parental leave) or to care for a covered family member with a serious health condition (family caregiver leave).
States require Medical Provider Certifications if employees seek state or private insurance disability or paid family leave benefits.
Private insurance carriers require a Medical Provider Certification if employees seek private short or long term disability benefits.
What forms can be used for a Medical Certification?
It depends on the benefit being administered. A few forms can serve as a medical or extended parental certification:
Form WH-380-E : Needed for employees outside of California, required when requesting extended parental leave or leave due to the employee’s own medical condition.
Form WH-380-F : Used when the leave request is due to the medical condition of an employee’s family member.
Certification of Health Care Provider: Needed for California employees requesting extended parental leave.
Unless otherwise requested, and to limit the number of forms employees must complete, Cocoon only requires that the medical provider section of a claim be completed to fulfill the medical and parental certificate requirement.
We hope you find the information, content and materials in our Employer Help Center useful. They are meant for general informational purposes only, and are not intended as legal advice.
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