Sick Leave

Sick leave is accrued by an employee at the rate of twelve (12) days per year on the first day of the employee’s service anniversary month. Newly hired employees will accrue the same amount on the date of hire and then annually on the first day of their service anniversary month. The Commissioner shall establish policy and procedures governing the use of sick leave. (1) Use of Sick Leave. An Appointing Authority may grant an eligible employee sick leave for any of the following reasons: (a) Personal illness; (b) Disability due to accident; (c) Exposure to a contagious disease; ATTENDANCE AND LEAVE CHAPTER 1120-06 (d) Maternity or paternity leave; (e) Medical and dental appointments; (f) Illness or death in the immediate family, or others who, at the discretion of the Appointing Authority, have a relationship which merits similar consideration; (g) Birth and care of an infant child; and (h) Adoption. (2) Reinstatement of Accumulated Sick Leave. Employees who work on a full-time continuous basis for one (1) full year or more, leave in good standing, and return to work shall be credited with and may use paid sick leave accumulated prior to separation immediately upon certification of the previous balance from the appropriate agency. Persons hired from state higher education institutions and persons who were teachers with local school boards in Tennessee are also included under this provision. (3) Sick Leave Transferable. Unless there is a break in service, sick leave shall be transferred to and shall be accepted from state agencies and higher education institutions, legislative and judicial branches. (4) Required Documentation. Any employee may be required to present evidence to an Appointing Authority, the Commissioner, or any other appropriate authority, to support the reason for any absence for which sick leave was taken. (5) Doctor’s Certification of Absence. Sick leave may not be denied to any employee who furnishes a statement of a licensed physician or accredited Christian Science practitioner in support of the reason for such absence. Additional documentation may be required if there is substantial evidence of sick leave abuse by the employee. (6) Sick Leave During Terminal Leave. Sick leave may not be used as terminal leave. An employee presenting evidence of an illness during terminal leave may utilize sick leave up to the original separation date.