On July 16, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor released new forms for employers to provide to employees requesting Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave for their own serious health condition or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Responding to concerns releated to the COVID-19 pandemic, the forms are now "contactless" and can be filled out electronically. This and other changes are intended to streamline the forms and to make them easier for employers and employees to use.
Although these new Department of Labor model forms do not affect employee rights or employer obligations under the FMLA, the updates to these forms, as well as the rising concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, provide incentive for employers to update their FMLA and other leave policies now.
If you have any questions about updating your FMLA policies, forms, and other leave policies, Marshall Melhorn attorneys in our Labor & Employment and Education Law practice groups are ready to assist.