Hoosier Banker 29 antidiscrimination statute, not a medicalleave entitlement.” While this decision is good news for employers in the Seventh Circuit, employers should still exercise caution when considering requests for leave. The EEOC is not expected to change its position that extended leave may be required as a reasonable accommodation. Moreover, the Severson holding is limited to medical leaves “spanning multiple months.” chicago indianapolis st. louis milwaukee A full service business law firm with a simple promise -- put you first 201 North Illinois Street, Suite 1400 Capital Center, South Tower Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-4212 T: 317.464.4100 | F: 317.464.4101 | salawus.com Growing in Indiana to meet your company’s legal needs ANDREW PODGORNY | LARRY TOMLIN | STEPHEN STITLE | MARK WENZEL | BRANDT HARDY | PHIL FOWLER ELIZABETH TRAYLOR | MARTHA LEHMAN | DEBRA MASTRIAN | JOHN TANSELLE Rita McIntosh, senior vice president of retail banking of The Farmers Bank, Frankfort, has retired. She joined the bank as a compliance officer in 2003. McIntosh began her banking career in 1969 with Indiana National Bank, which later became Bank One and Chase Bank; her eventual position with the organization as vice president/employment manager. In 2001 McIntosh joined Union Planters as human resources consultant/sales trainer. Her community outreach includes service on the Wesley Manor board. McIntosh is a member of the Indiana Bankers Association 40 Year Club. Joel Smith, regional president of German American Bancorp, Jasper, has retired. He covered the west region, consisting of Daviess, Gibson, Knox, Pike and Martin counties. Smith served for 35 years in the banking industry within the regional market area, of which 25 years were with German American. TAKING IT EASY The Court acknowledged that finite extensions of leave for shorter durations – described as “a couple of days or even a couple of weeks,” but less than multiple months – may still be deemed a reasonable accommodation. The Court further acknowledged that intermittent leaves of short duration may constitute reasonable accommodations, in the same way a parttime or modified work schedule may be a reasonable accommodation for employees dealing with medical flare-ups. Thus, requests for leave should still be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis. An issue not addressed in Severson is that employers must also consider whether they have a policy or practice of allowing employees to take leave for reasons unrelated to a disability. If so, an employer may be obligated to provide the same benefit to an employee who needs a disability-related leave. HB Dani Thomas, The Fountain Trust Company, Covington, completed the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and was graduated in July. Indiana Banker Completes GSB Colorado
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