Depression and Family Medical Leaves (FMLA) by Presley Reed, MD Stress and depression claims consistently rank amongst the top ten reasons for employee medical and disability leaves from work. Mental health issues present unique challenges to individuals responsible for managing disability and the administration/tracking of FMLA leaves. The treating healthcare provider applies diagnostic criteria and experience in order to establish a mental health diagnosis. Further, mental health professionals may work with treatment protocols when delivering care. Unfortunately, case managers and claims professionals, some not medically trained, who are responsible for approving and denying medical leave are not always comfortable when dealing with mental health cases. This article outlines information that may be useful for future reference. more Upcoming Events Make sure to stop by our booth at the following events: July 16-19 SEAK Dynamics of Disability Cape Cod, MA July 15-18 Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) Boston, MA July 15-18 Federal Workers' Compensation Conference (FWCC) Washington, D.C. August 12-15 Florida Workers' Compensation Institute (FWCI) Orlando, FL September 18-22 International Association of Industrial Accident Boards & Commissions (IAIABC) Phoenix, AZ September 26-28 Texas Workers' Compensation Austin, TX more We hope you enjoyed this issue of Reed the News. Sign up here to receive future issues of Reed the News.			What's New? New from Reed Group & ACOEM- UMK Professional Now includes ACOEM's Occupational Medicine Practice Guidelines, Second Edition online more MDA Internet Spanish Now Available MDA Internet is now available in Bilingual (English-Spanish) and Spanish-only versions. View a sample topic in Spanish, or call a product consultant at 866.889.4449. Callers outside the US please dial 00 1.303.247.1860, ext. 6650. Texas Adopts MDA The Medical Disability Advisor chosen as Return to Work Guidelines by Texas Department of Insurance. more Earn CEU's Online! MDA 101: How to use The Medical Disability Advisor in Disability Case Management, a self-paced on-line class authored and produced by Reed Group and Webility. more Reed Group now offers online courses pre-approved to earn CEUs. Click here to see what's available. Case Manager Tips Intermittent FMLA Is intermittent FMLA the bane of your existence? For those who administer and manage FMLA absence, intermittent absence is the most problematic and least understood use of Family Medical Leave types. more