Hi. I was wondering if anyone can share their experience or advice on what the proper, most professional way to put in for a medical leave request (FMILA).
1. Do you do it in person or over the phone?
2. Do you tell your HR dept. first, then your boss? Or vice versa?

I ask b/c the IOP treatment I am in has decided that today was my last day b/c they got me approved for a higher level of care in a Day program - and that I have to start on Monday. That means that I would have to submit my request to leave tomorrow (Friday) and it would have to be over the phone as I am out of the office. I tried to negotiate a later start date but they claim that too much time can't pass between treatments for insurance reasons. I also thought about coming into the office just to do this but a) that would be awkward since all would wonder why i was there, and b) that is still only 1 day for them to feel like I gave them notice.

What is the best way to handle this to minimize risk to my job security (I know they can't legally fire you for THAT reason but no need to make them uncomfortable with my professionalism and ability to be responsible). They all know I have an Eating Disorder so it will be obvious that I just couldn't handle it (as opposed to someone who knock on wood got into a car accident or something and just could not be back at work the next day). They know this is something I have struggled with for a while so I feel it would be obvious that I just "lost it" and that can't look good to an employer. Am I overreacting here? Maybe if they knew nothing I would feel better but .....

how do I handle? has anyone done this over the phone?

the best way to handle this situation would be to notify you boss first regarding you upcoming leave of absence. your HR department wlil send you FMLA paperwork that needs to be completed by your treatment facility. FMLA psperwork is time sensative and it needs to be completed and returned to your HR dept. within about 10-14 days. It would also be a good idea to go out on short-term disability, as you do not get paid being out on a family leave. Both STD and FMLA are two necessary steps to take to protect yourself and your job. FMLA covers you up to 12 weeks. If you need to be out longer then that, your job could be in jeopardy. Also, this can initially be done over the phone; however, I would definately send them the original paperwork (or fax it) and always keep copies for yourself. I hope that this helps you. Good luck.

Scarletknight33 - thank you so much for responding. I was confused and stressed about what was supposed to happen so I called HR on Friday while I was home but she was out on vacation and her assistant never returned my call. So, worried that I was supposed to notify them asap, I left my HR director a voicemail that I would be needing to take a FMLA and that I would call her on her cell phone first thing 9am Monday morning (she is still out of the office but will accept calls on her cell on Monday).

Can/should I ask her at this point to keep this confidential until I can tell my boss? I negotiated a start date of my day treatment for Tuesday. This still does not give me time to wrap up work stuff but at least I can feel better about it I guess. Trust me, it would be easier I think to just not show up ... on that note, what DO I say to my boss?

Lori -

All leave requests need to be done through your HR Dept., as I am sure that you are aware. I think that you are handling things well so far. All documentation and communication that you have with your HR Dept. is confidential. It needs to be that way or it is considered a HIPPA violation. I would tell your boss that you are in the process of taking a leave of absence due to personal reasons. If the boss wants more specific informtion, you tell them that you are currently going through some personal issues that you need to take carry of and you need to keep that conversation short and sweet. My recommendation is that you do not go into any detail, as they are not priveldged to that information. Also, I can understand how you feel about work, but just do the best that you can. Tie up what losse ends you are able too, and then make sure that you have coverage and have expressed any concerns to your direct supervisor to alleviate any further issues of complications that could arise.

Hope all goes well for you. Keep me posted and let me know if you have any other questions.