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Handbook of Operating Procedures

Preventive Health Care

Policy Number: 113

Subject:

Leave for preventive health care measures

Scope:

Employees

Date Reviewed:
August 2026
Responsible Office:
Human Resources
Responsible Executive:
Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

I. POLICY AND GENERAL STATEMENT

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston ("University”) is dedicated to improving the health of the people of the State of Texas and the nation. Based on its commitment to disease prevention, health education, health promotion, health care cost containment and wellness, the University encourages employees to take preventive health care measures.

Full-time and less than full-time benefits eligible regular employees, who have completed six months of current University employment and received authorization from their supervisors, will be permitted to use up to eight hours of leave per fiscal year for preventive health care appointments. A regular employee is appointed for a period of at least four and one-half consecutive months with a definite job assignment that must be 50 percent time or more (see HOOP 17, Appointment Status). Less than full-time benefits eligible employees will be entitled to leave based on percentage of time worked.

University employees who are eligible for preventive leave may use it for scheduled preventive health care appointments for themselves or immediate family members. Immediate family means : (1) any person living in the same household who is related by kinship, adoption (including foster children certified by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services), or marriage or (2) minor children of the employee, whether or not living in the same household. An employee who is the legal guardian of a child by court appointment may use preventive leave to care for the child.

Leave must be requested and approved in advance by the employee's supervisor. Appropriate uses include, but are not limited to: immunizations, newborn/dependent checkups, routine physical examinations, behavioral and mental health appointments, dental examinations, and vision screenings.

Absences due to illness and injury may be covered under:

II. PROCEDURE

At the discretion of the supervisor, an employee may be asked to submit a statement of verification from the health care provider.

The allotted annual leave for preventive health care must be used by August 31 of each year. Unused leave will not accrue, not carry forward, and will not be paid out.

III. CONTACTS