Policy 4113.4 - Temporary Modified/Light-Duty Assignment

Temporary Modified/Light-Duty Assignment

The Board of Education recognizes that, when employees have temporarily disabling medical conditions, temporary modified or light-duty assignments can allow the district to continue to use their valuable knowledge, skills, and abilities while minimizing time away from work. Temporary modified/light-duty assignments may also serve to facilitate the employee's transition back to his/her regular duties or full-time work.

Any employee may request a modified or light-duty assignment when he/she has a temporary medical condition which prevents the performance of the essential functions of his/her current assignment or position. The Superintendent or designee shall determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a suitable temporary position currently exists to accommodate the physical restrictions specified by the employee's medical provider.

An employee's initial assignment to a temporary modified or light-duty position shall be for a limited duration, not to exceed 30 days. At the end of the initial assignment, a request may be submitted for the Superintendent or designee to extend the assignment. When requesting any such extension, the employee shall submit documentation from his/her medical provider verifying that the employee is still temporarily disabled and is not medically able to return to his/her regular assignment. Temporary assignments generally shall not exceed 90 days, but may be extended at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee for an additional 90 days upon verification by the employee's medical provider that such an extension will allow the employee to return to unrestricted regular duties.

An employee who rejects a temporary modified/light-duty assignment may not be eligible for coverage of lost time under workers' compensation benefits in accordance with the district's insurance policy and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the State of California.