The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (“university”) is dedicated to improving the health of the people of the State of Texas and the nation. Based on its commitment to disease prevention, health education, health promotion, health care cost containment and wellness, the university encourages employees to take preventive health care measures.
University employees are eligible for up to eight hours of leave per fiscal year for scheduled preventive health care appointments for themselves or immediate family members. Leave must be requested and approved in advance by the employee’s supervisor. This time is to be used by employees for preventive health care such as immunizations, periodic physical examinations, dental examinations and vision checkups.
Absences due to illness and injury are covered under the sick leave policy (refer to HOOP Policy 2.39A Sick Leave).
For questions concerning this policy, contact Human Resources.
This policy applies to all full-time and less than full-time benefits eligible regular employees.
Full-time and less than full-time benefits eligible regular employees, who have completed 180 days of employment and received authorization from their supervisors, will be permitted to use up to eight hours of leave for preventive health care appointments. A regular employee is appointed for a period of at least four and one-half consecutive months with a definite job assignment that must be 50 percent time or more (see HOOP Policy 2.16 Appointment Status). Less than full-time benefits eligible employees will be entitled to leave based on percentage of time worked.
At the discretion of the supervisor, an employee may be asked to submit a statement of verification from the health care provider.
The allotted annual leave for preventive health care must be used by August 31 of each year. Unused leave will not accrue and will not be carried forward.
Created 02/1994; Updated 8/01, 11/07, 10/08