The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualified medical and family reasons, including personal health conditions, caring for a sick family member, or bonding with a newborn or adopted child. While FMLA applies to many industries, medical practices face unique challenges due to staffing constraints, patient care continuity, regulatory oversight, and compliance with overlapping employment laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA).
This course provides an in-depth legal analysis of FMLA compliance in medical practices, covering employer obligations, leave management, common compliance pitfalls, litigation risks, and coordination with other employment laws. Students will gain expertise in handling FMLA requests, preventing abuse, defending against litigation, and structuring legally sound leave policies.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will:
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Understand the Legal and Regulatory Framework of FMLA – Analyze federal and state laws governing employee leave, including eligibility requirements and employer responsibilities.
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Evaluate the Unique FMLA Compliance Challenges in Medical Practices – Learn how to manage FMLA leave while maintaining patient care and operational efficiency.
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Examine Employer Obligations for Handling FMLA Requests and Documentation – Study what constitutes a valid request, certification requirements, and how to respond to leave requests legally.
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Analyze FMLA Intersections with Other Employment Laws – Review how the ADA, PDA, and state-specific leave laws affect medical practice FMLA compliance.
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Assess Legal Risks in FMLA Discrimination and Retaliation Claims – Develop strategies to protect against lawsuits related to FMLA denials or adverse employment actions.
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Explore Best Practices for Preventing FMLA Abuse and Fraud – Investigate how to monitor compliance while respecting employee rights.
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Identify Strategies for Coordinating FMLA with Paid Time Off (PTO), Disability Leave, and Workers’ Compensation – Learn how to align various leave policies while ensuring compliance.
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Prepare for Future Trends and Legislative Changes in FMLA Compliance – Examine emerging legal reforms, new case law, and best practices in medical practice leave management.
