### Question
What is the definition of medical emergency?


### Answer
The definition of **medical emergency** is as follows in *5 U.S.C. § 6331*:

> a medical condition of an employee or a family member of such employee that is likely to require the prolonged absence of such employee from duty and to result in a substantial loss of income to such employee because of the unavailability of paid leave (disregarding any advanced leave)

#### Citation:
  - *5 U.S.C. § 6331*
  - Heading: **PART III-EMPLOYEES > Subpart E-Attendance and Leave > CHAPTER 63-LEAVE > SUBCHAPTER III-VOLUNTARY TRANSFERS OF LEAVE**

