The Dept just issued a new directive which states that 65-2 #90 was incorrect when it reported that the Dept intended to keep the Medical Office (MO) open until midnight. 65-2 #90 was not wrong. The info published by the UFA was given to FFs in the field through the chain of command from the Divisions, which in-fact informed the members that the Medical Office was being kept open until 12 midnight. The Dept's latest instructions on MO appearances are as follows:
- The Automated Medical Leave System* was temporarily instructing off-duty members calling in sick, in many cases, to appear at the MO on the same day or evening. It has recently been restored to its original instructions. Off-Duty members using the Automated Medical Leave System are now instructed to report to the MO between 0800 and 1300 hrs on the NEXT DAY, as per PA/ID 1-2003, sec. 2.1.
- On-duty members are not to report to the MO (a 'Field Visit') unless specific instructions are given by Car 32 or Car 33 (Dept Doctor). Depending on how busy the MO is and doctor availability, members may often be directed to appear at the MO later then 1300 hours.
- Chief Cassano's 12/28 memo states that postponements shall ONLY be granted to members who are non-ambulatory (too ill to travel). When postponements are granted, members are asked to obtain a note from their private physician.
*NOTE: The UFA filed a grievance on December 21st against the Dept's change in its Automated Medical Leave System policy which required FFs to appear at the MO on the same day they call sick. The above info documents that the Department has since reverted to its original policy under PA/ID 1-2003, and no longer requires off-duty FFs to appear on the same day. If the Dept changes its MO protocol again, the UFA will notify the membership as soon as we are made aware. In addition to the above change in policy, all members are strongly urged to read 65-2 #90, entitled 'Special Medical Office Issue'.
