The Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act Expands Military Leave Under the FMLA ... Again
Yesterday, President Obama signed into law the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, which provides, in part, for additional exigency and caregiver leave provisions for military families. The Act amends the military leave provisions of the FMLA, which were adopted in 2008. The changes took effect immediately.
The exigency leave benefit (of up to 12 weeks) now will be available to family members of active duty service members in the Armed Forces who are deployed to a foreign country. Formerly, this exigency leave was available only to family members of National Guard members and reservists.
In addition, under the Act, the caregiver leave benefit (of up to 26 weeks) now includes leave to take care of a child, spouse, parent or next of kin who (1) is a veteran, (2) is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation or therapy for serious injury or illness, and (3) was a member of the Armed Forces (including a member of the National Guard or Reserves) at any time during the five years preceding the date of treatment. The medical treatment must be related to a serious injury or illness incurred while in the line of duty on active duty in the Armed Forces or which existed before the beginning of military service, and which was aggravated by service in the line of duty while on active duty.
Employers should revise their FMLA policies and notices to reflect these new amendments and comply immediately.
