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1. Purpose and Applicability

   This policy establishes the amount and use of paid time off for disaster service and applies to all staff and faculty employees of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ), as required by the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Personnel and Pensions Article, 9-1102, which applies to all Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches of state government, including units with an independent personnel system such as the University System of Maryland. Nonexempt staff employees who are included in the representation of the collective bargaining unit are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and applicable Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ HR policies; where there is a conflict between the two, the MOU will prevail.

2. General

   1. Requirements for Time Off

      On request, an employee may be entitled to administrative time off for disaster service if:

      1. The employee is certified by the American Red Cross as a disaster service volunteer; and the American Red Cross requests the services of the employee during a disaster that is designated at level II or above in the regulations and procedures of the National Office of the American Red Cross; or
      2. The employee is a member of the Civil Air Patrol; the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary; a voluntary Reservist in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); a Maryland voluntary organization active in a disaster; a volunteer emergency medical services department; a volunteer fire department; a volunteer rescue company or rescue squad; or a community emergency response team; or
      3. Subject to any requirements established by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, the President or designee, in his/her discretion may approve administrative time off for disaster service for an employee whose services are requested by another bona fide service organization.

   2. Amount of Time Off Allowed

      An employee may use up to thirty (30) days of administrative time off for disaster service in any (twelve) 12-month period only after obtaining approval from the President or designee. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ may deny the time off if the denial is based on the anticipated impact on the operational needs of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. Employees who are appointed to work less than 100% may use administrative time off for disaster service on a pro rata basis.

   3. Extension of Leave for Prolonged or Recurrent Disaster

      During a prolonged or recurrent disaster, the President or designee may increase the number of days of administrative time off for disaster service that the employee may use under Section B if an increase would be in the best interest of the citizens of the State.

   4. Employment Status for Purposes of Certain Claims

      For purposes of Worker’s Compensation and the Maryland Tort Claims Act, while an employee is on administrative time off for disaster service, the employee is deemed not to be a State employee.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES:

The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ President has designated the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to administer this policy; to develop procedures as necessary to implement this policy; to communicate this policy to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ community; and to post the policy and any applicable procedures on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ website.

Replacement for:

USM BOR VII-7.26 - Policy on Leave for Disaster Service for Regular Status Nonexempt and Exempt Staff Employees