What counts as a serious health condition under the FMLA?

In Washington, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protects individuals who need to take time off from work due to a serious health condition. A serious health condition is defined by the law as an illness, injury, impairment, or condition, that requires either inpatient care in a hospital, hospice, or residential medical care facility; or continuing medical treatment or supervision at home, by a health care provider. Some examples of more specific conditions that could qualify as a serious health condition under the FMLA are: chronic health issues that require periodic visits to a health care provider, cancer, and any period of incapacity lasting more than three consecutive days. The law also covers psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that require treatment by a health care provider. Mental health conditions that require hospitalization also qualify for protection under the FMLA. Additionally, the law covers any accepted condition resulting from pregnancy or childbirth. The FMLA allows workers to take up to 12 weeks off from work while they or a family member recovers from a serious health condition. Employers are required to provide job protection during the leave as long as the employee meets the requirements of the law.

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What counts as a serious health condition under the FMLA?

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