What is required for employees taking FMLA leave regarding medical re-certification?

Employees taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are typically required to provide medical re-certification once every 30 days. This requirement is in place to ensure that the need for leave due to a serious health condition is still valid and that the employee continues to meet the criteria for FMLA leave.

The rationale behind the 30-day interval is that it allows employers to periodically verify the ongoing need for leave, while also balancing the employee’s right to privacy and the need for job protection. If the original medical certification indicates that the employee will need leave for a longer period, re-certification might not be required until that timeframe has elapsed. However, the 30-day interval generally serves as the standard frequency for re-evaluating the employee’s condition and need for continued leave, aligning with the regulations outlined by the FMLA.