Large medical practices and The Family Medical Leave Act

The Department of Labor posted a new publication called The Employee's Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act on its website (www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/employeeguide.htm). The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires employers with at least 50 employees to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to an employee for births, adoption, foster care placement, or serious health conditions involving the employee, employee's spouse, child or parent. The new guide helps employees understand (1) who can use FMLA leave, (2) medical certification, (3) when the leave can be used, (4) FMLA benefits, (5) requesting leave, and (6) returning to work. Employees must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months, but it does not have to be 12 months in a row. Airline flight attendants and flight crew members are subject to special eligibility requirements.