Overview of Return to Work
Employees in safety sensitive positions (other than Flight Crew – see workgroup specific details) and employees working in Department of Transportation (DOT) covered positions must medically clear through Medical in order to maintain compliance with Company requirements in the event that one or more of the following apply:
- Hospitalization (admitted to the hospital), surgery (in or outpatient) or emergency room/urgent care visits
- Medical history that requires a personal medical clearance as previously determined by Medical
- Medications that can affect alertness or mental function, or newly prescribed medications you will continue to use after returning to work
- Returning from an Injury-on-Duty (IOD)
- Blocked ears
- Maternity leave
- Any condition or treatment relating to absence that affects your ability to perform essential job functions. Please see ‘Medical Conditions Requiring Clearance’.
- Returning from an Injury-on-Duty (IOD) which lasted more than 300 days including Transitional Duty (TD) or an injury to the eyes, ears and/or head, or taking prescription medications when returning to work
- Your manager/supervisor requests you obtain clearance
Failure to receive required medical clearance from Medical prior to returning to work may result in one or more of the following:
- Delay your return to work resulting in use of additional paid or unpaid sick time; and/or
- removal from work; and/or
- being considered insubordinate resulting in disciplinary action according to Rules of Conduct #7.
If you are unsure your condition requires clearance, call Medical, option 2, or contact your local Medical Base for guidance.
When to Start Clearance
Employees required to clear medical should start the process a minimum of 3-4 days prior to their return when possible.
Note: The longer you have been off work, or if your medical condition is complex, medical clearance may require additional time. If you have already provided information to substantiate your time away from work, Medical has maintained these records and the nurse will use them as part of the clearance process.
What Information Might be needed
All clearances require a current Return-to-Work note including a diagnosis from all treating providers. Notes should clearly indicate any required work restrictions.
Note: Additional information and/or testing may be required following your conversation with Medical or receipt of your medical records. This information may include:
- Doctor’s office visit notes or a narrative including diagnosis, dates, and type of treatment and medications
- Also if applicable:
- operative reports
- hospital discharge summary
- objective testing or diagnostic testing (e.g. physical therapy, MRIs, laboratory results)
Return-to-Work Medical Clearance–Other Safety Sensitive Jobs
Employees in safety sensitive positions (other than Flight Crew – see workgroup specific details) and employees working in Department of Transportation (DOT) covered positions must medically clear through AA Medical & Occupational Health Services (AA Medical) in order to maintain compliance with AA in the event that one or more of the following apply:
- Hospitalization (admitted to the hospital), surgery (in or outpatient) or emergency room/urgent care visits
- Medical history that requires a personal medical clearance as previously determined by AA Medical
- Medications that can affect alertness or mental function, or newly prescribed medications you will continue to use after returning to work
- Any condition or treatment relating to absence that affects your ability to perform essential job functions. Please see “Medical Conditions Requiring Clearance”
- Returning from an Injury-on-Duty (IOD) which lasted more than 300 days including Transitional Duty (TD) or an injury to the eyes, ears and/or head, or taking prescription medications when returning to work
- Your manager/supervisor requests you obtain clearance
If you are unsure your condition requires clearing through AA Medical, call Call-A-Nurse (CAN) at 800-555-2373, option 2, or contact your local Medical Base for guidance.
When to start clearance:
Employees required to clear medical should start the process a minimum of 3-4 days prior to their return when possible.
NOTE: The longer you have been off work, or if your medical condition is complex, medical clearance may require additional time. If you have already provided information to substantiate your time away from work, AA Medical has maintained these records and the nurse will use them as part of the clearance process.
What information might be needed:
All clearances require a current Return-to-Work note including a diagnosis from all treating providers. Notes should clearly indicate any required work restrictions.
NOTE: Additional information and/or testing may be required following your conversation with AA Medical or receipt of your medical records. This information may include:
- Doctor’s office visit notes or a narrative including diagnosis, dates and type of treatment and medications
- Also if applicable:
- operative reports
- hospital discharge summary
- objective testing or diagnostic testing (e.g. physical therapy, MRIs, laboratory results)
Helpful Tip:
Review and print “Getting Started with Clearance” for additional information that may help you.