General Medical Officer (GMO) Manual: Administrative Section
Convalescent leave
Department of the Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Introduction
Convalescent leave (CONLEAVE) is the term used to describe a period of authorized absence (usually 30 days or less). This is part of the care and treatment prescribed for a member's recuperation or convalescence (i.e. surgery). CONLEAVE is granted to members in a medical treatment regiment, after release from an inpatient episode of care. Such leave is not chargeable to a member's leave account. There is only one period of CONLEAVE per hospitalization, but it can be renewed upon approval of Head, Patient Administration. (Note: CONLEAVE may be granted up to 42 days after childbirth.)
Recommendations
This type of leave is not granted to patients with disciplinary action or separation proceedings. CONLEAVE is granted by the member's commanding officer upon recommendation of the medical officer. However, under certain circumstances it can be granted by the military treatment facility (MTF) commanding officer. Physicians should be diligent in recommending CONLEAVE so that the period is adequate for the patient's recovery.
A physician may recommend convalescent leave after an outpatient or ambulatory procedure visit. Particularly contagious diseases where sick in quarters (SIQ) may not be appropriate. It still would need to be granted by the member's command or the MTF commander/commanding officer if the member is attached to a ship that is out at sea, or if a member is assigned to a remote duty station. In any case the member's command will be notified.
Final points
- The MTF having medical cognizance over members in a civilian hospital or Jackson Amendment Facility will grant the CONLEAVE. Lastly, administrators of Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) facilities can grant CONLEAVE.
- Members placed on CONLEAVE must return to the MTF at the end of the leave period for further disposition.
References
- NAVMEDCOMINST 6320.3
- MARINE CORPS ORDER (MCO) P1050.3E
- MILPERSMAN article 3020020
- MILPERSMAN article 3020360
- DoD Directive 1327.5 of September 24, 1985
Reviewed by LCDR Robert A. Rahal, MSC, USN, Assistant Specialty Leader for Patient Administration, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C. (1999).