Skip to main content

How early do I need to advise my department or HR that I will be on medical leave?

An employee is required to provide 30 days of advance notice before FMLA leave is to begin. If 30 days' notice is unreasonable (such as a sudden illness), notice should be given with as much advance notice as possible. In some situations, an employee is not able to provide the reason for absence before or during the leave. The employee may, upon returning from leave, provide within two (2) business days the completed FMLA packet and medical certification, which indicates that the recent absence or leave falls under FMLA guidelines. If the employee does not provide this information within two business days from the date of return to work, the leave may be denied and may not designated as FMLA, and the time off will not be protected.