New FMLA Regulations Released by DOL

By Sally Piefer

The Department of Labor just released new regulations which go into effect on January 16, 2009. The purpose of the new regulations is two-fold:

1. The new regulations further clarify leave under the FMLA for employees with family members who are military personnel. The military leave provisions require employers to provide employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain leave due to a spouse, child, or parent being called up for or on active duty or up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a servicemember who is a spouse, child, parent, or next of kin and becomes seriously ill or injured while serving in the Armed Forces.

2. The new regulations also revise other leave requirements, such as certification requirements, and provide several new forms.

Since the new regulations are effective relatively soon -- January 16, 2009 -- you are encouraged to contact legal counsel to ensure that your policies and forms comply with the new regulatory provisions.

Published: 11/2008