It need not be, it does allow for use of "sick leave" in situations where it otherwise would not be allowed. I did two weeks of FMLA, full time, and two weeks of half time after I had back surgery. I didn't lose any pay.
A coworker will return to work on Monday after taking over a month of FMLA for surgery and, in her case unpaid, she has used all her vacation and sick leave due to her husband's terminal illness. He passed away early in the year.
"it does allow for use of 'sick leave' in situations where it otherwise would not be allowed."
When would the use of paid sick leave not be allowed if one is under medical treatment?