National Business Group on Health Applauds Updated Rules to Clarify the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Market Wire, February, 2008

The National Business Group on Health commends the U.S. Department of Labor for its efforts to improve an important law that has helped millions of workers and their families in times of serious medical illness and the birth or adoption of a child. The updated rules make needed corrections and clarifications that will help ensure that the benefits of the 15-year-old law remain secure.

Helen Darling, President of the National Business Group on Health, said, "Employers recognize the importance of family leave and these new rules help to make clear what employees need to do to take FMLA leave for their own serious illnesses. The updated rules will also make it easier for human resources professionals and employers to administer FMLA for serious medical illnesses."

Employers consistently rank FMLA at the top of the list when asked what the most difficult federal regulation to administer is. While the family leave part of the law works well, unclear and sometimes conflicting regulations and court decisions pertaining to employees' medical leave continue to increase administrative costs for employers, cause workplace disruption for employees, lower productivity, invite litigation and threaten the integrity of this important law for those who truly have serious health conditions, noted Ms. Darling.

"Employers and employees alike have had difficulty interpreting the current FMLA regulations, triggering a great deal of litigation. The updated rules will help to make things clearer and reduce the number of court cases," said Steven Wojcik, Vice President of Public Policy for the National Business Group on Health.

About the National Business Group on Health

The National Business Group on Health, representing 292 large employers (including 63 of the Fortune 100) who provide healthcare coverage to over 55 million U.S. workers, retirees, and their families, is the nation's only non-profit organization devoted exclusively to finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions to large employers' most important health care and related benefits issues. The Business Group identifies and shares best practices in health benefits, disability, health and productivity, related paid time off and work/life balance issues. For more information about the Business Group, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org

Contact: Ed Emerman 609-275-5162 eemerman@eaglepr.com