PRN FAQs

PRN simply means “as needed”. If an employee is hired or transfers to a PRN position, the employee is agreeing to work in a temporary, only “as needed” capacity, and would not have guaranteed hours.

Yes. PRN positions are temporary appointments. The employee is agreeing to work in a temporary, only “as needed” capacity, and would not have guaranteed hours.  Part-time regular means that the employee works less than 40 hours per week, has a set schedule and works certain days with certain hours.  Part-time regular positions may qualify for employee benefits.

Initially, no.  Eligibility for an offer of health insurance for a temporary employee is based on total average hours worked per month (greater than 87 hours on average) during the lookback measurement period. Under this lookback measurement period, the employer measures an employee’s hours over a period of time, usually 12 months. After completing 12 months of employment within the lookback period, if the employee averages at least 20 hours per week (or 87 hours per month) over that measurement period, then he or she must be offered coverage for a “stability period” following the measurement period. The “stability period” begins January 1 and ends on December 31.

PRN employees that elect Health Insurance coverage are responsible for the employee cost of the premium. If no hours were worked on a given payroll period the PRN employee is responsible for making direct payments to the payroll office. To arrange the payment of premiums please contact the payroll office at 251-460-6471 or via email at payroll@southalabama.edu. Failure to make timely premium payment will result in cancellation of insurance coverage.

Eligibility for an offer of health insurance for a temporary employee is based on total average hours worked per month (greater than 87 hours on average) during the lookback measurement period (usually from October 3 of any given year through October 2 of the following year).  Under this lookback measurement period, the employer measures an employee’s hours over a period of time, usually 12 months. A regular, benefits-eligible employee transferring into a PRN position must meet the same requirements of the lookback measurement period to be eligible to continue health insurance for the current “stability period”.

In other words, the employee, transferring to PRN in 2024, must have worked at least 20 hours per week (or 87 hours per month) during the lookback measurement period in 2023 (from 10/3/2022 through 10/2/2023) to be considered for continuation of health insurance for the “stability period” ending 12/31/2024.

Employees transferring to a PRN position and are eligible to continue their health insurance coverage must make an election to continue that coverage within 30 days of the status change effective date.  If the 30-day election window expires, the employee will no longer have that opportunity and will instead be offered COBRA.

If you are a regular benefits-eligible employee transferring to a PRN position and do not qualify for continuation of health insurance coverage, or choose not to continue coverage, you will be offered continuation of health insurance coverage through COBRA .

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a federal law which allows eligible employees and their dependents the continued benefits of health insurance coverage when an employee loses their job or experiences a reduction of work hours. COBRA rules provide for the offering of coverage that is identical to that which the employer offers to its current employees. The employee pays the full cost of the insurance premiums. Health insurance coverage from COBRA extends for a limited period of 18 months.

As a PRN temporary employee, you would not be eligible to participate in the matching component of the retirement program, however you may contribute to the supplemental retirement plan. In addition, you may be able to start or continue membership with the Employee Recreation Center provided you set up a monthly payment on a credit card with the membership office. 

You will not be eligible for SouthFlex: Flexible Spending Accounts, the educational benefit, life insurance, short term disability, or long disability insurance benefits.  You would not accrue PTO hours and may only have access to health insurance if you meet certain guidelines, but only for a specified period of time.

Regular benefits-eligible employees, hired before 1/1/2012, transferring to a PRN position may receive payment for up to a maximum of 320 unused accrued PTO hours (prorated based on FTE). Regular benefits-eligible employees, hired on or after 1/1/2012, transferring to a PRN position are not eligible to receive payment for unused accrued PTO hours, nor can an employee use any PTO time that has been accrued after the transfer to a PRN position. However, PTO balances will remain in a holding account in the event the employee returns to a regular benefits-eligible position without a break in service.

No, withdrawal of retirement funds can only be requested if there is a separation of employment. A transfer to PRN is a continuation of employment in a temporary capacity, not a separation.

Employees who are interested in continuing their health insurance should contact their USA Health HR office to determine eligibility for the continuation of this benefit, and to obtain and complete necessary forms. Employees should also ask questions about when their benefits will terminate so that they can make necessary arrangements for other coverage if needed.

Employees transferring to a PRN position and are eligible to continue their health insurance coverage must make an election to continue that coverage within 30 days of the status change effective date.  If the 30-day election window expires, the employee will no longer have that opportunity and will instead be offered COBRA.

If you are a current employee, you may request a PRN position from your manager. If the manager can accommodate your request, an Electronic Personnel Action Form (EPAF) will be completed to change your status from regular to PRN. You will also need to discuss any applicable rules governing your new position with your manager in order to maintain your status as a PRN employee. If a manager is unable to grant your request, you may also apply and be considered for available PRN positions that are posted on our search and apply for jobs opportunities website. Remember that hours are not guaranteed, and that your position can be terminated at any time if there is no longer a need for temporary employees by the department or if an employee doesn’t work the required shifts or holidays.

Availability of regular benefits-eligible positions is at the discretion of each department. PRN employees may also apply and be considered for other vacant benefits-eligible positions within our system.   

Note:  Benefits eligibility for the USA Health & Dental Plans and University paid group term life and long term disability insurance requires an FTE of .50 or greater (20 hours or more per week). 

For All other questions regarding employee benefits and eligibility requirements please contact you USA Health HR Office at (251)415-1604.