FMLA protects an employee from termination during medical leave.
The Family Medical Leave Act, also known as FMLA, is administered through the Employment Standards Administration's Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Family Medical Leave Act provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to employees who require time off to care for a family member or to see to their own health. The standards of the FMLA indicate that only certain conditions and illnesses qualify for medical leave.
Respiratory Conditions
According to the TheHRSpecialist.com, certain chronic or severe respiratory conditions typically qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act. Examples of respiratory illness may include emphysema or chronic asthma, which can make breathing difficult and impair an individual's ability to work.
Heart Conditions
TheHRSpecialist.com also notes that most heart conditions also qualify for employment leave under the FMLA. If an employee suffers from a chronic heart condition or has a family member undergoing treatment for heart disease or heart surgery, the Family Medical Leave Act ensures the employee has adequate time off from work. FMLA provides for time to recover from a heart attack or heal from heart surgery that requires a bypass or valve operation.
Pregnancy
USAToday.com also notes that pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications may also be included in the FMLA. Employees are typically permitted to miss time from work due to required appointments for prenatal care and doctor visits as well as bed rest ordered by an obstetrician. The FMLA also extends to post-natal time when employees or direct family members are generally allowed time off for the birth and homecoming of a new baby. In addition to pregnancy, the Family Medical Leave Act also covers missed time from work for employees who are adopting or fostering a child into their home. Both parents are entitled to employment leave under the FMLA.
Chronic Illness
Other chronic illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization for more than three days may also qualify for the FMLA. Some examples may include epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and neurological disorders. In addition, conditions such as kidney disease that often require regular dialysis treatments typically meet the requirements of the FMLA. The Family Medical Leave Act also covers employees who are dealing with cancer and require time off for chemotherapy treatments.
Surgery
The FMLA also provisions for missed time resulting from required medical treatment and rehabilitation following a serious accident, injury or surgery to treat a health condition or physical ailment such as a knee replacement, back surgery or hip surgery.
