Washington clarifies Paid Family and Medical Leave waiting period

Washington has enacted a final rule that clarifies how the seven-day waiting period impacts Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program. The final rule is effective immediately.

Background:

Under state law, qualified workers in Washington are generally eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave per year after a seven-day waiting period to:

• Bond with a child after a child’s birth or placement; or
• Use the leave for a qualifying military purpose.

The details:

The final rule clarifies that the waiting period does not:

• Apply to medical leave taken upon the birth of a child; or
• Reduce the maximum duration of an employee’s available paid family or medical leave.

Next steps:

Washington employers should review their paid family and medical leave policies and practices to ensure compliance with the final rule.