“Paid Family Leave” Program and Workers’ Comp Affected

Employees covered under California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program may receive up to six weeks of state-funded disability benefits to take time off for baby-bonding or to care for a seriously ill child, spouse, parent or registered domestic partner.  California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) administers this program which began in 2004.

Effective July 1, 2014, covered employees will also be eligible to receive PFL benefits to care for a seriously ill grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or parent-in-law.

By July 1, California employers must distribute updated PFL pamphlets containing the new family member definitions to all new hires as well as to those qualifying employees taking time out from work for baby-bonding or care-giving.  The pamphlet describes the PFL program, outlines employee eligibility criteria, and explains how to apply for benefits.

Starting July 1, California employers must also distribute a revised workers’ compensation pamphlet to all new employees at time of hire.  The pamphlet includes modified requirements for employees to pre-designate a personal physician or medical group in case of work-related injury or illness.  The new pamphlet also contains two new pre-designation forms: a) for a personal physician; and b) for a chiropractor or acupuncturist.  It also describes the workers’ compensation program, including types of available benefits, penalties for making fraudulent claims, and steps an employee should take in the event of a workplace injury or illness.

These updated PFL and workers’ compensation pamphlets may be purchased from the California Chamber of Commerce.

For more information concerning required workplace notices, contact one of our attorneys, Timothy Bowles, Cindy Bamforth or Helena Kobrin.