|  | Family Health | Health Care

Uses of the Family Medical Leave Act

The Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, was passed into law in 1993 to help protect families that experience hardships due to chronic health problems or sudden illness. The act has several provisions that protect employees in the event of a family or medical emergency. Depending on where you work, you are usually eligible to use FLMA after 12 months of service.

  1. Chronic Health Conditions

    • If you have a serious medical condition and must undergo regular treatment, you are likely covered by FLMA. Coverage includes overnight hospitalization from an injury or illness, as well as any time spent in treatment during the same stay. It also includes ongoing treatment for illnesses like epilepsy, asthma, or treatment plans such as dialysis or chemotherapy. You should speak with your medical provider for information on whether your specific condition warrants FMLA coverage.

    Birth of a Child

    • The Medical Leave Act establishes that an employer must provide time off for men and women directly after childbirth so that they have time to care for the newborn and get their lives in order. Additionally, FMLA can be approved before childbirth if the pregnancy causes medical complications or poses a health risk to the mother. You can also use what is called "intermittent" FLMA leave to pare your full-time job into part-time hours, balancing the missing work with FMLA.

    Adoption or Foster Care

    • Similar to the FMLA provided to families expecting their own child, families that elect to adopt a child or serve as temporary foster parents may be eligible for some time away from work under the FMLA program. This includes taking time away from work before receiving the child if time away is required for the adoption process. For instance, in adoption proceedings you may need to attend court hearings, counseling, or physical exams, all of which should be covered by FMLA. You can also take time after the child arrives, just as FMLA provided for newborn children.

    Caregiving for Family Members

    • If one of your close family members is dealing with a serious health condition like the ones listed above, you may be eligible for FMLA to help care for them during their illness. FMLA covers you if your spouse, son, daughter, or parent is suffering from any serious illness that would be covered by your own personal FMLA if you were the one who was ill. Once again, speak with your physician for information on which specific conditions will qualify and how to go about getting FMLA set up with your employer.

Health Care - Related Articles