R477-7-13. Leave of Absence Without Pay

  (1) An employee shall apply in writing to agency management and be approved before taking a leave of absence without pay.

  (2) Leave without pay may be granted only when there is an expectation that the employee will return to work.

  (3) A leave of absence may be denied when documentation from one or more qualified healthcare providers clearly establishes that the employee has a permanent condition preventing the employee from returning to the last held regular position unless prohibited by state or federal law.

  (4) An employee who receives no compensation for a complete pay period shall be responsible for payment of the full premium of state provided benefits.

  (5) An employee who returns to work on or before the expiration of leave without pay shall be placed in a position with comparable pay and seniority to the previously held position.

  (6) Upon request, an employee who is granted this leave shall provide a monthly return to work status update to the employee's supervisor.