Medical certification requirement.
Seattle Mun. Code § 4.26.040
in effect4.26.040 - Medical certification requirement.
Medical certification is required for leave under subsection 4.26.010.A.3, 4.26.010.A.4, or 4.26.010.B. The medical certification must be issued by the health care provider of the eligible employee or of the qualifying family member. Certification should include:
A. The date on which the serious health condition commenced;
B. The probable duration of the condition;
C. The appropriate medical facts within the knowledge of the health care provider regarding the condition;
D. A statement that the eligible employee is needed to care for the qualifying family member, or a statement that the employee is unable to perform the functions of the position of the employee;
E. In the case of certification for intermittent leave, or leave on a reduced leave schedule, for planned medical treatment, the dates on which such treatment is expected to be given and the duration of such treatment;
F. In the case of certification for intermittent leave, or leave on a reduced leave schedule, under subsection 4.26.010.A.4, a statement of the medical necessity for the intermittent leave or leave on a reduced leave schedule, and the expected duration of the intermittent leave or reduced leave schedule; and
G. In the case of certification for intermittent leave, or leave on a reduced leave schedule, under subsection 4.26.010.A.3 or 4.26.010.B, a statement that the employee's intermittent leave on a reduced leave schedule is necessary for the care of the qualifying family member or covered servicemember who has a serious health condition, or that the employee will assist in their recovery, and the expected duration and schedule of the intermittent leave or reduced leave schedule.
The City may require, at the expense of the City, that the eligible employee obtain the opinion of a second health care provider designated or approved by the City concerning any information certified as provided above.
When the second opinion differs from the opinion in the original certification, the City may require, at the expense of the City, that the employee obtain the opinion of a third care provider designated or approved jointly by the City and the employee.
The opinion of the third health care provider concerning the information certified above shall be considered to be final and shall be binding on the City and the employee.
The City may require that the eligible employee obtain subsequent recertifications on a reasonable basis.
(Ord. 126011, § 4, 2019; Ord. 122968, § 5, 2009; Ord. 116761, § 1, 1993.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT4PE_CH4.26FAMELE_4.26.040MECEREFetched: 11/1/2026