The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a law enacted in 1993.  It applies to employers with 50 or more employees.  FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of job protected leave in the event of serious health condition of an employee or his/her family member, or for the addition of dependents through birth or adoption.  In addition, the FMLA now provides certain military-related leave. 

The DOL’s Wage and Hour Division has posted a new guidebook directed at employees to ensure that they understand their rights and obligations under the FMLA.  While it is intended for employees, it may be useful for employers, as well.  An employer subject to FMLA may want take a look at the guide.  The employer may be able to point to information contained in the guide to explain to employees such issues as:

• Eligibility;
• Serious health condition;
• Notice obligations; and
• Medical certification

While this guide does not break new ground, it is another tool that the government is providing to ensure compliance with the law.

The information contained in this Benefit Beat is not intended to be legal, accounting, or other professional advice, nor are these comments directed to specific situations.

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