The  Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a U.S. federal law that gives eligible employees the right to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, while continuing group health insurance coverage under the same terms as if they were still working.

Here’s what it consists of:

Key Provisions

1. Leave Entitlement
   • Up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for:
     • Birth of a child and bonding time
     • Adoption or foster care placement
     • Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
     • The employee’s own serious health condition that makes them unable to perform job duties
     • Certain qualifying needs related to a family member’s military service
   • Up to 26 weeks of leave in a 12-month period to care for a covered servicemember with a serious injury or illness (Military Caregiver Leave).
2. Job Protection
   • The employee must be restored to the same or an equivalent position (same pay, benefits, and working conditions) when they return from leave.
3. Health Benefits
   • Group health insurance must continue during leave as if the employee were actively working.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Employee must have worked for the employer for at least 12 months.
• Must have 1,250 hours of service during the 12 months prior to the leave.
• Employer must have 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius.

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Employer Responsibilities

• Notify employees of their FMLA rights.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Reinstate employees after leave.

Employee Responsibilities

• Provide sufficient notice when foreseeable.
• Provide medical certification when requested.