Can I take FMLA leave for a family member's illness?
Yes, you can take FMLA leave for a family member’s illness in Washington. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period to care for a family member with a serious health condition. To be eligible for FMLA leave, you must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months and have worked at least 1,250 hours during that 12-month period. You must also work for an employer with at least 50 employees. Family members covered by the FMLA include your parent, spouse, child or any individual related by blood or marriage. Serious health conditions covered by the FMLA include conditions requiring inpatient care or continuing treatment and supervision by a health care professional. The law also provides protection for military family members and extends the FMLA’s leave provisions to eligible employees of small businesses. When taking FMLA leave for a family member’s illness, you must provide your employer with documentation of the illness from a certified health care provider. Additionally, employers may require that you use unpaid vacation or personal leave in conjunction with FMLA leave.
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Can an employer deny an employee's request to take FMLA leave?
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