If You Need Time Off Work For A Serious Medical Condition, Check To See If You Are Eligible for FMLA

The Department of Labor recently resolved a matter alleging violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act by a nursing home.  The Department of Labor found that the nursing home did not inform employees that their medical conditions might qualify them to take a leave of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and also that the companies did not provide employees with information regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act.  These employees instead received negative points for attendance and other discipline when they exceeded absence limits due to missing work for reasons that may have been eligible for leave under the FMLA.  The nursing homes also required the employees to work with other employees to cover their shifts.  For qualified employees, the Family and Medical Leave Act requires that employers provide eligible employees with up to twelve weeks off per year in order to attend doctor’s appointments and to care for family members.  See Acosta v. Fremont Healthcare, LLC, No. 17-cv-00644 (W.D. Mich.).