Washington, D.C. 20530

September 25, 2006

MEMORANDUM FOR BUREAU HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICERS

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing final regulations concerning the use of sick leave. The final rules remove the requirement for an employee to maintain a minimum sick leave balance to his or her sick leave account in order to use the maximum amount of sick leave provided for family care and bereavement purposes. Also, OPM revised §630.403(b) to require an employee to provide administratively acceptable evidence, in accordance with the agency's policy, no later than 15 calendar days after the date the agency requests such documentation. If it is not practical to provide the requested certification, despite the employee's diligent good faith efforts, the employee must provide such certification within a reasonable period of time, but no later than 30 calendar days. These regulations, which are effective on September 18, 2006, are being issued as part of OPM's effort to standardize the leave policies and provide agencies with guidance on leave programs available to assist employees in the event of a pandemic health crisis.

The Federal Register document is attached for your review. You may also review the document at the following web link: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-7005.pdf

If you or your staff have any questions, please contact Rachel Villare, of my HR Policy staff, on (202) 616-3707 or via e-mail at Rachel.Villare@usdoj.gov.

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