Should Congress Expand Timeframe of FMLA for Chronic Conditions (e.g., Cancer, Auto-Immunes, HIV)?

[CorpGovActivist]

Poll question: Should Congress Expand Timeframe of FMLA for Chronic Conditions (e.g., Cancer, Auto-Immunes, HIV)?

Leaving aside the timing of such legislation and its potential effect on the election, should this Congress push an expansion of the timeframe of the Family and Medical Leave Act for families facing chronic conditions together?

Thanks for registering your opinion.

- Dave

[Sanity Claws]

1. These conditions are already covered by FMLA

It covers any serious medical condition and those would fit within that definition.
Are you confusing FMLA and ADA? The ADA has been so narrowly constricted by the federal courts that it has become largely useless, at least in the employment context.

[CorpGovActivist]

2. I Mean the Timeframe for FMLA...I'll Edit

[Sanity Claws]

3. You mean the 12 weeks allowed per year?

I'm an attorney and worked with the statute many times. For many chronic conditions, the person needs to take the leave on an intermittent basis, only when the condition flares up. I have not seen them run out of FMLA time. I see more of a problem for people with acute problems that do not fully resolve in 12 weeks. They are put in a terrible position of trying to return to work while still ill or risk losing their health insurance. Universal coverage would take care of some of the problems associated with this.
Are there any studies that indicate that persons with chronic conditions are not getting enough medical leave to take care of their problems? How much leave do you believe would be appropriate?

[CorpGovActivist]

4. Wonky!

I love discussions like this!

A lot of auto-immune disorders do indeed fall through the cracks of the private and public sector safety nets. I'm very fortunate, as a Crohn's patient with active and chronic disease, to have an employer that doesn't care where the writing gets done.

http://www.ccfa.org/living/disability/?LMI=1.8">The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America has some interesting stats and pointers on STD, LTD, and SSDI, in conjunction with other fact sheets about time off under the FMLA, reasonable accommodations under the ADA, etc.

Attempts in Congress to clarify the criteria for http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=bill+crohn%27s+%22social+security%22+congress">SSDI eligibility for Crohn's patients have fallen short in recent years. Advocacy groups for other conditions (e.g., MS) have also lobbied for clearer guidelines.

Universal healthcare sure would redefine a lot of alphabet soup: COBRA, ADA, FMLA, SSDI...

; )

Where do you practice?

Best,

- Dave

[Sanity Claws]

5. I would be happy to chat with you about this and related issues

Right now, I've got to get off the computer. Okay if I send you a PM this evening? I'm on EST.

[CorpGovActivist]

6. Absolutely!!! Same Here on Time Zone! KNPnta