Early Bird

Understanding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Human Resources offers helpful information on how the act can support MSU Denver employees.

By Amanda Berry

April 16, 2020

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law March 18. This federal law increases funding for food assistance, Medicaid, unemployment assistance and COVID-19 testing. It also requires Metropolitan State University of Denver to provide eligible employees with job-protected, paid leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act for specific reasons related to COVID-19. It is effective April 1 through Dec. 31.

Please note that the U.S. Department of Labor has declared a nonenforcement period until April 17; however, leave will be backdated to April 1.

These two acts within the FFCRA create the following paid leave types:

• Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act: Emergency Paid Sick Leave
• Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act: Emergency Public Health Leave

The State of Colorado has reviewed the leave policy for classified employees, and the MSU Denver Office of Human Resources has reviewed administrator and faculty leave policies, determined the steps needed to comply and developed tools to assist employees with the new paid leave types.

Please see the following resources to help guide you through the implementation of the acts:

• FFCRA: Employee Paid Leave Rights
• Technical Guide – Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Public Health Leave
• FFCRA Employee FAQs 
• Leave Request Form Under the FFCRA
• State of Colorado Self-Certification for COVID-19-Like Symptoms

Mental-health resources 

The Colorado State Employee Assistance Program is standing by to help employees navigate these uncertain times. They provide resources, both internal and external, that you may find helpful:

• Free, regularly scheduled CSEAP webinars 
• CSEAP video on managing stress and anxiety during uncertain times
• CSEAP counseling sessions transferred to teletherapy
• CDPHE online resources on reducing fear and taking care of yourself
• CDC online resources on managing stress and anxiety
• Tips and strategies for stress associated with quarantine
• Reach out to Colorado Crisis Services if you need to talk

Please contact Amanda Berry, manager, Employee Benefits, with questions regarding this information at aberry11@msudenver.edu.

Thank you for your support and patience during this time.