U.S. Department of Labor Seeks Input on Changes to FMLA

The U.S. Department of Labor announced on December 1, 2006, that it is seeking information and comments from the public on the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and its implementing regulations.

Instead of publishing proposed new rules for comment, the DOL is seeking comments on the following substantive areas:

Eligible Employee
Definition of "Serious Health Condition"
Definition of a "Day"
Substitution of Paid Leave
Attendance Policies
Different Types of FMLA Leave
Light Duty
Essential Functions
Waiver of Rights
Communication Between Employers and Their Employees
FMLA Leave Determinations / Medical Certifications
Employee Turnover and Retention

The DOL invites interested parties having knowledge of, or experience with, the FMLA to submit comments and welcomes any pertinent information that will provide a basis for ascertaining the effectiveness of the current regulations and the DOL’s administration of the Act. Public comments should be received by no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on February 2, 2007.

Link to U.S. DOL website seeking public comments on the FMLA.

N. DeWayne Pope, DeWayne Pope LLC