The Essential Guide to Family & Medical Leave

glossary | 295
Reduced-schedule leave. FMLA leave taken by working fewer hours per day or
fewer days per week than usual.
Regulations. Interpretations of a law written by the federal agency responsible
for its enforcement and administration.
Reinstatement. Restoration of an employee to his or her original position or
an equivalent position when the employee returns from leave.
Salaried employee. An employee earning the same amount each week, regardless
of how many hours the employee works or the quality or quantity of work
performed. To be salaried, the employee must earn at least $455 per week.
Second opinion. A second medical certification, from a health care provider of
the employer’s choosing.
Secondary employer. A joint employer that does not have the authority
to hire and fire the employee seeking leave, place the employee in a
particular position, assign work to the employee, make payroll, and provide
employment benefits.
Serious health condition. An illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental
condition that involves 1) inpatient care at a hospital, hospice, or residential
medical care facility; 2) incapacity for more than three calendar days
with continuing treatment by a health care provider; 3) incapacity due to
pregnancy or prenatal care; 4) incapacity or treatment for a chronic serious
health condition; 5) permanent or long-term incapacity for a condition
for which treatment may not be effective (such as a terminal illness); or 6)
absence for multiple treatments for either restorative surgery following an
injury or accident or a condition that would require an absence of more than
three days if not treated.
Spouses. A couple married under the laws of the state in which they reside.
Status report. An employee’s report to the employer, while on FMLA leave, on
his or her status and intent to return to work.
Substitution of paid leave. Using accrued paid leave provided by the employer’s
policies during FMLA leave.