FMLA definition of Parent

Catbert48

RE: FMLA leave reason - "serious illness of parent" - how is "PARENT" defined? A newsletter I recently received says: "Parent means a biological parent OR an individual who stands or stood "in loco parentis" to an employee when the employee was a child. Persons who are "in loco parentis" include those with day-to-day responsibilities to care for and financially support a child or, in the case of an employee, who had such responsibility for the employee when the employee was a child. A biological or legal relatonship is not necessary." QUESTION: Is this true??? If so, what are the definitions of "spouse" "child" in that context??

Gar

According to the Act, the term "spouse" means husband or wife. The term "son" or "daughter" means a "biological, adopted or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis who is under 18 years of age; or 18 years of age or older and incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability."

C_J

You should contact the Department of Labor and request a free copy of the FMLA regulations. It has common questions on page 86, definitions and a quick reference index that can be very helpful.