The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that became effective on August 5, 1993. It was established to assist employees in balancing their work and family life.
UTHSCSA may grant leave for the birth and care of a newborn child; the placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care; and to care for the newly placed child.
Leave may also be granted 1.) to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child or parent, but not a parent-in-law) with a serious health condition; or 2.) when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition.
FMLA requires UTHSCSA to provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave, continue health care benefits, and provide job protection for qualified employees.
An employee is eligible for FML if he or she has worked for UTHSCSA a minimum of one year AND worked a minimum of 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of the FMLA leave.
On January 28, 2008, President Bush signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4986) which includes an expansion of the FMLA that creates new leave entitlements for employees who have a family member called to active duty in the Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves, or whose family member is injured while on active military duty. To find out more about the amendment visit http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/fmlaAmended.htm
If you have questions about FMLA, call the Office of Human Resources at (210) 567-2600.