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Short Term Disability Question, Sort Of...

I've been going through depression for 6 weeks now and my doctor (psychiatrist) wants me to consider going to an outpatient facility for help.  It'll be a controlled environment which she thinks I need.  It would be a 3-6 week stay depending on my progress and I would go to the hospital 3 days a week from 9-12 PM each day.

What concerns me is if I decide to go through with it what do I say to my boss about this without telling her that I'm having serious mental/emotional problems?  I work in a really small retail shop and I'm the only full time employee.  I've read my employee manual and it seems to fall under short term disability.  The important point is that I'll still be able to work.  What kind of script can I use for my boss?

Re: Short Term Disability Question, Sort Of...

  • Your doctor would have to complete your company's short term disability paperwork. Unfortunately, your boss will know why you are going out on leave; however, they would be bound by HIPAA to not talk about it.
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  • imageMaybride2:
    Your doctor would have to complete your company's short term disability paperwork. Unfortunately, your boss will know why you are going out on leave; however, they would be bound by HIPAA to not talk about it.

    Yes, unless you have a separate person who handles HR-related things I don't think you can get out of giving your boss the reason. You shouldn't have to go into specifics, but your doctor will need to state a general reason on the paperwork.

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  • First of all, I'm confused by you saying that you can work...short-term disability is paid for income replacement.  So if you are able to work, then you'd be paid your normal pay.  Now, if you mean you could work part-time, typically you'll need to go onto a full leave, and then come back to work part time (reduced schedule).  It all depends on your STD plan.

    Also, it sounds like you work for a small employer.  If you are not eligibile for FMLA, be aware that short-term disablity does not protect your job.  Your position could be filled while you are out in treatment.  I don't meant to discourage you, you have to get the help that you need, but it is a possibility.  Depending on where you live, there may be state laws to protect you.

    As for talking to your boss, that is really up to you.  If your boss is the owner and the company is self-insuranced, they may find out why you are out anyway.  I would just keep it simple, you are having some medical related problems and need to be out for awhile.  In today's world (at least in leave management, which is what I do), mental and physical health are treated the same.  Of course, not all people view it the same, which is why I received all medical documentation and do not share with management.  Good luck!

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