COMDTINST 6530.1
minor elective surgical procedures, except that authorization of permissive orders or sick-
leave is allowed and encouraged.
e.
After donation, donors may experience soreness that is usually treated with aspirin or
Tylenol and disappears within several days. In addition, a marrow donor may experience
feelings of fatigue and general malaise that may last from a couple of days to several
weeks (this varies from individual to individual). Therefore, it is recommended that a
member donating bone marrow receive a minimum of 5 days sick-leave immediately
following the procedure. In some instances, additional medical officer follow-up and
evaluation will be required to determine if the member requires additional convalescence
and sick-leave prior to returning to a fit-for-full duty status. In all cases, when Coast
Guard aviators donate bone marrow, a follow-up medical examination to include a
complete blood test (CBC) is required by a uniformed services flight surgeon prior to
resuming flight duties. (Aviators will be grounded for 1 week immediately following
marrow donation, upon follow-up medical examination and repeat CBC findings the flight
surgeon may determine the need for additional convalescence and sick-leave prior to
returning an aviator to an up status). In accordance with Section 692(a), Public Law 103-
329, Coast Guard civilian employees are entitled to 7 days of paid leave (excused absence)
each calendar year to serve as a bone-marrow donor (including pre-donation screening,
and post donation convalescence). Should the civilian member require an additional
period of convalescence the period of absence will be charged against the civilian
member's annual leave or sick-leave account balances.
f.
Additional information on bone marrow donation is available from the NMDP at 1-800-
MARROW-2, or over the Internet at www.marrow.org.
/s/ JOYCE M. JOHNSON
Director of Health and Safety
Encl: (1) Memorandum of Understanding of 23Nov98
Non-Standard Distribution:
C:a North Bend (2); Cape Cod, Miami, Borinquen, Traverse City (2);
Clearwater (2); Astoria (2)
C:b Port Angles, Sitka (2)
C:d San Juan only
C:I St. Petersburg, Port Isabel, Sabine, Port O' Conner, Rockland, Grand
Isle, Venice, Duluth, Ft. Macon only
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