Can I take FMLA leave to care for a family member with a mental health condition?

Yes, you can take FMLA leave to care for a family member with a mental health condition in North Carolina. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was signed into law in 1993 to provide job-protected leave for employees to care for themselves and their families when faced with serious health conditions. Under the law, employees can take leave to care for a family member with a serious mental health condition, as long as they meet certain criteria. In North Carolina, an employee is eligible for FMLA leave if they have worked at least 1,250 hours of service for their employer during the preceding 12-month period. Additionally, the employee’s employer must have at least 50 employees who work within 75 miles of the employee’s worksite. Once an employee meets these criteria, they may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period to care for a family member with a serious health condition. Employees may also take intermittent FMLA leave, which may be at shorter increments of time, if they and their employer agree. Although taking FMLA leave is an important right for those caring for a family member with a mental health condition, it is important to keep in mind that employees may also be protected under other state and federal laws as well. In certain cases, employees may be able to take leave for a longer period of time or be eligible for other rights or benefits. Therefore, it is recommended that employees speak to their employer or an attorney to determine their rights under the law.

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