District Of Columbia § 32-504 - Certification.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 32-504 — Certification., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-504. Certification.
32-504An employer may require that a request for family leave under or medical leave under be supported by a certification issued by the health care provider of the employee or family member. The employee shall provide a copy of the certification to the employer.
The certification provided by the employee to the employer shall state:
The date on which the serious health condition commenced;
The probable duration of the condition;
The appropriate medical facts within the knowledge of the health care provider that would entitle the employee to take leave under this chapter; and
For purposes of medical leave under , a statement that the employee is unable to perform the functions of the employee’s position; or
For purposes of family leave under , an estimate of the amount of time that the employee is needed to care for the family member.
For the purposes of , the employer may request that certification issued in any case involving medical leave under include an explanation of the extent to which the employee is unable to perform the functions of the employee’s position.
If the employer has reason to doubt the validity of the certification provided under subsection (a) of this section, the employer may require that the employee obtain, at the expense of the employer, the opinion of a 2nd health care provider approved by the employer, in regard to any information required to be certified under subsection (b) of this section.
If the 2nd opinion provided under this subsection differs from the original certification provided under subsection (a) of this section, the employee may obtain the opinion of a 3rd health care provider mutually agreed upon by the employer and the employee, in regard to any information required to be certified under subsection (b) of this section. The employer shall pay the cost of the opinion of the 3rd health care provider.
The opinion of the 3rd health care provider in regard to the information certified under subsection (b) of this section shall be final and binding on the employer and employee.
Any health care provider approved or mutually agreed upon under subsection (d)(1) or (2) of this section may not be retained on a regular basis by the employer or employee or otherwise bear a close relationship to the employer or employee that would give the appearance that the certification is biased.
The employer may require that the employee obtain subsequent recertifications on a reasonable basis.
Certification information requested under this section shall be used only to make a decision in regard to the provisions of this chapter. An employer shall keep any medical information obtained from a certification request confidential.
Any employer who willfully violates this subsection shall be assessed a civil penalty of $1,000 for each offense.
Annotations
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 32-504
What does D.C. Code § 32-504 cover?
Section 32-504 ("Certification.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 32-504?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 32-504" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 32-504 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.