Nancy Landry (HB 1253) Act No. 849
Existing law provides for general procedures with respect to sick and personal leave for
school bus operators, teachers, and other school employees. Provides for extended sick leave
if it is a medical necessity. Defines medical necessity as the result of a catastrophic illness
or injury, which means a life-threatening, chronic, or incapacitating condition of the teacher
or a member of his immediate family. Requires an employee to present a certificate from a
physician selected by the employee certifying the medical necessity of the leave.
Existing law in general provides that if the school board questions the validity or accuracy
of the physician certification, the school board may require the employee or immediate
family member to be examined by a physician selected by the school board. If the physician
selected by the school board certifies the injury or disability, then leave shall be granted. If
the physician selected by the school board disagrees with the certification of the physician
selected by the employee, then the school board may require the employee to be examined
by a third physician. The opinion of the third physician shall be determinative of the issue.
Requires that the school board pay all costs of the additional examinations.
New law authorizes the local superintendent (in addition to the school board) to question the
validity or accuracy of a certification, to require a second or third examination, and to select
a physician for that purpose.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 23, 2014).
(Amends R.S. 17:500.2(E)(2)(a), (b), and (c), 1202(E)(2)(a), (b), and (c), and
1206.2(E)(2)(a), (b), and (c))