The Essential Guide to Family & Medical Leave

Glossary
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Adoption. The legal process of transferring the rights and responsibilities of a
child’s biological parents to persons other than the child’s biological parents.
Alternative position. A position to which an eligible employee may be temporarily
reassigned during a period of intermittent or reduced-schedule leave; it
must have the same pay and benefits as the employee’s original position.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A federal law that prohibits discrimination
against qualified employees with disabilities and requires employers to
make reasonable accommodations to allow such employees to do their jobs.
Cafeteria plan. A benefit program through which employees choose from a
menu of benefits, such as health coverage, life insurance, disability insurance,
and so on.
Chronic serious health condition. A serious health condition that requires
periodic visits for treatment; continues over an extended period of time; and
may cause episodic, rather than continuing, incapacity.
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). A federal law that
requires employers to provide continued coverage under a group health
plan to employees and their dependents after an event that would otherwise
terminate their coverage.
Continuing treatment. At least two treatments by a health care provider; nurse
or physician’s assistant acting under the direct supervision of a health care provider;
or provider of health care services acting on the orders of, or referral by,
a health care provider; or at least one treatment by a health care provider that
results in a regimen of continuing treatment under the provider’s supervision.
Department of Labor. The federal agency responsible for administering and
enforcing the FMLA.
Designate leave. To tell the employee, in writing, that time off will be treated
as FMLA leave.
Discriminate. To treat similarly situated employees differently.