Commissioned Corps BulletinDecember 9, 2016

VADM Vivek Murthy Announces Extended Maternity Leave

Fellow Officers,

It gives me great pleasure to announce the approval of the Corps maternity leave extension from 42 days to 84 days. As of December 5, 2016, active duty mothers will be entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave. The updated policy CCI 363.01 is available and FAQs are provided below to assist with questions.

Over the past year, the Office of the Surgeon General and the Division of Commissioned Corps Personnel and Readiness have worked hard to secure approval to extend the Commissioned Corps (Corps) maternity leave, aligning our service with the Department of Defense. There were many people who persevered to make the policy change possible, including RADM Trent-Adams, RADM Hunter, CDR Collins, CAPT Russell, CAPT Hall-Robinson, Mr. Greg Stevens, CDR Dunbar, CDR Farrill, and LCDR Cain. Our colleagues at OGC were also immensely helpful. And the support of Secretary Burwell, Acting Assistant Secretary DeSalvo, and Ms. Andrea Harris was invaluable.

As a new parent, I understand how important parental leave is for the health and well-being of a family. This policy change represents an important step forward in ensuring families have the time they need after the birth of a child.

Thank you for your continued service and dedication to the nation’s health.

With Corps pride,

Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA
VADM, USPHS
Surgeon General

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

1. Question: How has the previous sick leave policy regarding maternity leave changed?
   Answer: The previous policy allowed for 42 days (6 weeks) of leave for postpartum recovery following the day of hospital discharge, or 56 consecutive days (8 weeks) after hospital discharge following delivery by caesarean section. The new policy allows for 84 consecutive days (12 weeks) of leave for any postpartum (normal or cesarean recovery) after delivery.
2. Question: How do I submit my leave under the new policy change?
   Answer: The process for requesting leave has not changed; all sick leave requests must be submitted through the Direct Access leave portal.
3. Question: If I am currently taking sick leave for my postpartum recovery, does the new policy apply to me?
   Answer: Yes. This policy applies to officers who are currently taking sick leave for postpartum recovery. Officers who are currently in postpartum recovery can request an extension of their leave through their direct supervisor. The extension cannot exceed a total of 84 consecutive days.
4. Question: I completed my 42 days or 56 days of sick leave for postpartum recovery and have already returned to duty. Can I take the additional time allowed under the new policy?
   Answer: No. Once an officer returns to duty, she may not request to extend sick leave for postpartum recovery.
5. Question: Can officers who, as of December 5, 2016, are on approved chargeable annual leave in conjunction with sick leave for postpartum recovery, (with no break in the leave period,) convert the annual leave to non-chargeable sick leave for postpartum recovery?
   Answer: Yes. Officers can request to convert their annual leave to non-chargeable sick leave for postpartum recovery as long as the total period of requested leave will be continuous (with no break between annual and sick leave for postpartum recovery.) The period of sick leave postpartum recovery may not exceed the total of 84 days.
6. Question: Can my supervisor deny my request to extend my currently approved 42 or 56 days of sick leave for postpartum recovery to 84 days?
   Answer: No. Your supervisor cannot deny your request to extend your postpartum recovery to the approved 84 days.
7. Question: How do mothers who have given birth and are currently on sick leave for postpartum recovery request an extension for sick leave for postpartum recovery?
   Answer: Officers should contact their immediate supervisor and/or leave granting authority to request the additional sick leave request through the Direct Access leave portal. This leave is not to exceed a total of 84 consecutive days from the first day of the start of sick leave for postpartum recovery.
8. Question: Can an officer request annual leave after her 84 days of convalescence?
   Answer: Yes. Officers can request annual leave. Officers should contact their immediate supervisor and/or leave granting authority to request annual leave. Approval of annual leave is at the sole discretion of the officer’s immediate supervisor and/or leave granting authority.
9. Question: What is the status of paternity leave?
   Answer: At this time, changes to the paternity leave will require a legislative change and is currently being reviewed by the Office of the Surgeon General.