31 IAC 5-8-7 Leave without pay

Sec. 7. The appointing authority, with the approval of the director, may grant an employee leave without pay for a period not to exceed two (2) years, whenever such leave is considered to be in the best interests of the state. Such leave shall be requested in writing by the employee and shall require written approval by the appointing authority and the director. Except under unusual circumstances, voluntary separation from the service in order to accept employment not in the state service shall not be considered by the director as sufficient cause for the approval of a leave of absence without pay. Upon expiration of a regularly approved leave without pay, or sooner upon due notice if the interests of the service make it necessary, the employee shall be returned to a position in the same class as the position held at the time leave was granted. Employees on leave without pay due to personal illness, injury, or legal quarantine may be required to submit medical proof from a designated physician of fitness to return to work before resuming duties. Failure of an employee on leave to report for duty after the appointing authority issues a written notice to return shall be deemed unauthorized leave. At the time such notice is sent to the employee on leave, the appointing authority shall send a copy to the director.