Can a CA employer terminate me while I am out of work and on state disability due to open heart surgery?

Generally, no. Under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), employers are prohibited from terminating employees while they are on leave for serious medical conditions, including open heart surgery. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the employer can show that it would suffer an undue hardship if it were required to keep the employee's position open while they are on leave.