The 3 Day Rule is a best practice that should be utilized by supervisors at each agency. If your employee is out 3 consecutive work days due to illness, injury, or reasons unknown, they should automatically be sent FMLA paperwork. Contact Human Resources to do so.
Notify Human Resources even if the employee intends to return to work, or it turns out the absence is not FMLA-qualifying. Despite any "false alarms," it is still important to inform HR of a 3 day absence that is not scheduled vacation. You can also explain the rule to your employees, so they understand why they may be receiving paperwork.