DOL issues new FMLA forms
On July 20, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued new notice and certification forms for employers to use when administering Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. Although you can continue to rely on the old forms, the new versions are simpler and easier to use. Further, the forms can be completed online and saved electronically. You can find them here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/forms .
Required FMLA notice and certification forms
The FMLA requires employers to provide notices to employees. The notices are intended to inform employees about their FMLA rights and make sure both parties share the same understanding of the terms of their leave. The notice forms are:
- FMLA poster;
- Eligibility notice, which informs employees about their eligibility or ineligibility for FMLA leave;
- Rights and responsibilities notice (combined with the eligibility notice), which informs employees about their obligations associated with FMLA leave; and
- Designation notice, which informs employees whether their FMLA leave has been approved and its amount/duration or whether additional information is needed.
When administering FMLA leave, you may request information from employees to certify they are entitled to FMLA leave. The certification forms are: