Does a D.O. DQ a FMLA Certification?

Recently, The New York Times had an interesting article about the differences between a doctors of osteopathic medicine, or D.O.s and other doctors with a medical degree.

While the article noted that a century ago there were differences between the two, today “the distinction between D.O.s and M.D.s is much fuzzier. D.O.s still attend separate medical schools, but their curriculum covers much of the same ground, and many take the same board exams.” Moreover, D.O.s and M.D.s attend the same residency programs, where doctors get hands-on training in their chosen specialty.

But what about FMLA Certification? Can a D.O. do a medical certification?

The notion of a “health care provider” is actually fairly broad. And a fact sheet from the Department of Labor quickly disavows anyone of the notion that there is a difference for purposes of a FMLA Certification.

Indeed, according to the USDOL, the list of health care providers includes:

• A doctor of medicine or osteopathy authorized to practice medicine or surgery in the state in which he or she practices,
• A podiatrist, dentist, clinical psychologist, optometrist, or chiropractor -with limitations- authorized to practice in the state and performing within the scope of his or her practice,
• A nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, clinical social worker, or physician assistant authorized to practice in the state performing within the scope of his or her practice,
• A Christian Science practitioner listed with the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, or
• Any health care provider from whom the employer or the employer’s group health plan’s benefits manager will accept a medical certification to substantiate a claim for benefits.

So, while the NYT Article is informative, ultimately for employers it’s a distinction without a difference when it comes to FMLA certifications.