FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act)

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for:

• A serious health condition that makes the employee unable to work
• Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
• Birth and care of a newborn child
• Placement of a child for adoption or foster care

Eligibility requirements: - Work for a covered employer (50+ employees within 75 miles) - Have worked for the employer for at least 12 months - Have worked at least 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months

FMLA vs. ADA: - FMLA provides leave entitlement; ADA requires accommodation - FMLA has fixed limits; ADA is case-by-case - FMLA eligibility is strict; ADA applies to any employee with a disability - Both may apply simultaneously; use whichever provides more protection

When FMLA runs out, the ADA may require additional leave as an accommodation if it's reasonable and doesn't cause undue hardship.