The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows employees to take unpaid leave for certain medical and family reasons. During this leave the employee’s job is protected. Also their coverage on health insurance remains as if they had not taken leave. Typically the reason is to care for a family member who has a serious health condition. Another reason would be if the employee has a serious health condition that prevents them from performing their job.

The Department of Labor (DOL) recently updated forms for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  Employers should start using updated model forms as soon as possible. Some of the updated forms include Notice of Eligibility and Rights & Responsibilities, Designation Notice, Certification of Qualifying Exigency for Military Family Leave, Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition, among a few, see the DOL website for all forms: http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/index.htm#Forms

For more information about FMLA, see the DOL’s website: http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/