Certified Leave Management Specialist (CLMS) Certification Practice Test

Is a certification indicating that a physician consulted with an employee over the phone sufficient to define a serious health condition?

1. Yes, phone consultations are acceptable

2. No, additional medical information is required

3. Yes, if antibiotics were prescribed

4. No, because the employee must visit in person

The correct answer is: No, additional medical information is required

A certification indicating that a physician consulted with an employee over the phone is not sufficient to define a serious health condition because serious health conditions typically require more comprehensive medical information. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) defines a serious health condition as one that involves inpatient care or continuing treatment by a healthcare provider. While phone consultations can provide valuable information, they often do not provide the depth of understanding or specific details needed to establish the nature and extent of a serious health condition. Additional medical documentation is usually required to ensure that the employee's health condition meets the established criteria. This documentation can include details about the diagnosis, the need for leave, and any ongoing treatment plans that have been established, which cannot be adequately assessed through a phone consultation alone. This ensures that the leave management process is accurately informed and that employees are protected according to applicable laws and regulations.