What counts as a serious health condition under the FMLA?

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a serious health condition is an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves either an overnight stay in a medical care facility, or continuing treatment by a health care provider for a period of more than three consecutive calendar days. Examples of serious health conditions include conditions such as cancer, stroke, diabetes, chronic heart failure, pregnancy, and complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, mental or physical disability, and illnesses requiring a period of incapacity of more than three days. In order to be eligible for protection under FMLA, the condition must also involve continuing treatment by a health care provider, or have been deemed serious by the U.S. Department of Labor. Under New York State law, certain mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction, also count as serious health conditions. Finally, absences due to domestic or sexual violence can also be covered under New York State law.

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What counts as a serious health condition under the FMLA?

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