Last month, the Department of Labor issued final rules on a number of minor amendments to the Family and Medical Leave Act. These amendments dealt with caregiver leave under the military leave portions of the FMLA, as well as calculation of leave for flight crew members. As part of the final rules, DOL announced that it is amending its FMLA forms in conformance with these changes.

The new forms take effect today. Employers should begin using these new forms for FMLA medical certifications, explanations of rights and benefits, and eligibility notifications. The forms can be obtained here. In addition to the new forms, the revisions to the military caregiver leave provisions take effect today. Questions regarding military caregiver rights should be directed to legal counsel prior to notifying employees of leave determinations.