Changes to FMLA policy set for Aug. 1

Effective Aug. 1, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center employees (excluding Teamsters) who apply for Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) need to work 1,250 hours for the 12 months immediately preceding the first day of FMLA. The existing policy states that employees are eligible if they worked 1,040 hours.

FMLA leaves approved prior to Aug. 1 will not be affected by this change, but employees who apply for time off after the effective date will need to meet the new eligibility requirements.

FMLA provides certain employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. It also requires that their group health benefits be maintained during this time. FMLA is designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid time for certain family and medical reasons.

The change to the eligibility requirement falls in line with the federal law.

Contact the HR Solutions Center at 717-531-8440 or FMLASource at 1-877-462-3652 with any questions.

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