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Question: We have an employee whose essential functions require the use of their hands. They have requested an accommodation, and their physician has recommended a few weeks of time off until specific medical restrictions can be determined. What is our obligation to pay this employee during this doctor-recommended leave of absence?
Answer: The leave of absence described would be a reasonable accommodation under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You have no obligation under the ADA to pay an employee during a leave of absence. However, if you pay employees who take leaves of absence for nondisability-related reasons,