Protected Leave

Taking Leave

Lane County offers several types of leave to eligible employees. Consult with your supervisor or Human Resources to confirm what type of leaves apply to you. If you are a represented employee, review your union contract for additional information.

Effective May 1st 2023, Lane County has partnered with The Standard to administer the medical leave program.

The Standard important information: Leaves Policy #671953

  • 1-866-756-8116 available Monday - Friday 5AM - 5PM PST

If you expect to be out of work for 3 or more days (continuously or intermittently): 

  • Notify your supervisor prior to the start of your shift. You do not need to disclose protected health information (PHI).
  • Report your absence to The Standard by calling (866) 756-8116 between the hours of 5AM - 5PM PST. All other hours, please report online at [email protected]/absence

  • Complete the TM Designation Form found on the right side of this page and submit to HR Benefits via inter-office mail or fax to 541-682-4290
  • If you will be out longer than 2 weeks on a non-occupational medical leave for your own condition, or if you have a medical condition that affects your job duties or hours, please be sure to have your medical Provider complete a Fit for Duty found on the right side of this page medical release for you. Please provide it to your department and/or HR Benefits via inter-office mail or fax to 541-682-4290  at least 24-48 hours before your anticipated Return To Work (RTW) date.


Types of Leave

Family and medical leaves

Lane County medical leave policies follow the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and the State of Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA). If an employee qualifies for protected leave, FMLA and OFLA may be used continuously or intermittently. Click to learn more about: OFLA FAQ's and FMLA Fact Sheets.

Short term disability

Lane County offers short term disability coverage for eligible employees who satisfy the six month waiting period. FMLA and/or OFLA run concurrently with short term disability if the employee qualifies.

Long term disability

Lane County offers long term disability coverage for eligible employees. Coverage amount is determined by union contract, the APM, and/or the long term disability policy.

Leave for pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions
Short term disability for pregnancy may begin when your doctor certifies you to stop working, or the date you give birth, whichever is first. Under the protected leave laws, you may be entitled to take as many as 12 additional weeks of parental leave once your baby is born and after your doctor releases you to return to work (i.e. to resume normal activities). You can obtain a Health & Dental Enrollment form to add your baby to your health coverage. Please provide your child’s birth certificate with your enrollment form within 30 days of the date of birth. 

Bereavement

The County provides paid bereavement leave to grieve the passing of a family member, attend a funeral, or make arrangements following the death of a family member. Family member is defined by your union contract or APM, as applicable, and covers 3 for in state or up to 5 days for out of state funerals.

OFLA Bereavement
Following the County Paid Bereavement, you may be eligible for an additional unpaid leave of up to two weeks (or 80 hours for a regular status employees) through Oregon State OFLA. This bereavement option may be taken intermittently or consecutively. Please call the Leaves Administrator to discuss your eligibility.

Oregon Sick Time Law
Effective January 1, 2016, employers in the state of Oregon must implement sick time policies and provide sick time to employees.

Review the Oregon Sick Time Law guide from the Bureau of Labor and Industries and the Oregon Sick Time FAQ's on the Quick Links to the right of this page.

Paid Leave Oregon
Effective September 3, 2023, Lane County employees will be eligible for benefits through Paid Leave Oregon (PLO).  This leave can be used for your own health condition, family member's health condition or Safe Leave.  More information is available through the State of Oregon's Paid Leave Oregon website.