DOL Seeks Comments on Proposed Changes to FMLA Forms

The Department of Labor (DOL) and its Wage and Hour Division (WHD) are seeking public comments through Oct. 4 on proposed changes to the forms used for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. According to the DOL, the goal in revising the forms is to increase compliance with the FMLA, improve customer service, and reduce the burden on the public by making the forms easier to understand and use. WHD drafted revisions with input from the public and is seeking comment on the proposed changes, which include:

• Fewer questions requiring written responses; replaced by statements that can be verified by simply checking a box
• Reorganization of medical certification forms to more quickly determine if a medical condition is a serious health condition as defined by the FMLA
• Clarifications to reduce the demand on health care providers for follow-up information
• More information on the notification forms to better communicate specific information about leave conditions to employees
• Changes to the qualifying exigency certification form to provide clarity to employees about what information is required
• Changes to the military caregiver leave forms to improve consistency and ease of use
• Layout and style changes to reduce blank space and improve readability

To comment on the proposed revisions, email [email protected]. Comments must be submitted by Oct. 4, 2019. Comments, including any personal information provided, become a matter of public record. They will also be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval of the information collection request.