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When the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was passed earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) allowed hospitals to exempt healthcare providers and emergency responders to assure proper staffing of medical facilities during the pandemic. At UW Medicine, these exemptions included all positions within the medical centers, Airlift Northwest and Hall Health as well as some positions within the School of Medicine.

As a result of recent changes in the DOL guidelines for healthcare providers, some UW Medicine employees will now be eligible for FFCRA paid sick and family leave benefits. All Airlift Northwest employees continue to be exempted under the emergency responder classification for air ambulance services.

If your position qualifies for FFCRA benefits, you will receive a separate email notification outlining your eligibility status, which is retroactive to Sept. 16, 2020. You can also refer to the list of UW Medicine job profiles to see whether your position is eligible or exempt.

The FFCRA offers limited paid leave for employees who are unable to work or telework due to qualifying COVID-19 related reasons, including to care for children who no longer have access to daycare or school through December 31, 2020. For more details, visit UW Human Resources Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Expanded Family & Medical Leave Act.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the health and safety of our patients and community. We are committed to supporting you and greatly appreciate everything you are doing every day in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

Lisa Brandenburg
President, UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics