Addiction is a disease of the brain and as such requires medical attention. If you decide to go to inpatient rehab, it is your responsibility to contact your payroll secretary and principal prior to your admission and inform them that you will be taking an extended leave and will be filing for it accordingly on the Department of Education’s Self-Service Online Leave Application System (SOLAS). The reason for your leave is your confidential medical information that is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and SOLAS will not share that information with your colleagues or administration. If you have questions about taking a leave, you may contact the medical division liaison between the UFT and DOE at 212-598-7711.