Eligibility for medical leave

To be eligible to take protected family medical leave, the employee must have worked for an employer 50 or more employees for over one year. Additionally, the employee may only take medical leave for her own serious health condition or that of her spouse, child or parent. A serious health condition is usually an injury or illness that prevents the employee from being able to do her job. The employer may require the employee provide a note from her physician certifying the health condition is serious. The birth of a child is also a reason to take medical leave.