New! Important Update Regarding H1N1 Vaccine Coverage (10/29/09)
Effective immediately, all medical plans under the State of Maryland Employees and Retirees Health and Welfare Benefits Program will cover H1N1 vaccinations through June 30, 2010. Read more...
New State Human Resource Policies in Response to H1N1 Pandemic Flu (9/17/09)
Currently the State's H1N1 influenza activity continues to increase. Geographic distribution of the illness affects all regions of the State and outbreaks are ongoing in a variety of settings, including schools and colleges.
Despite that fact that we do not have widespread illness among State government employees, we are taking proactive steps to prepare for the potential impact of a flu pandemic. Policy changes have been adopted in anticipation of the need for many State employees to care for themselves and their family members if they experience in flu-like symptoms or illness. These steps are intended to provide a supportive workplace in which State employees can follow expert guidance on containing the spread of this illness throughout the State while ensuring that effective State operations are maintained.
Therefore, the State is now in Level II of the Pandemic Flu Attendance and Leave Policy. Level II gives State agencies greater flexibility in permitting employees to telecommute, to follow more relaxed return to work standards, and to access the Advanced Sick Leave .