Ramifications of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

Six months ago, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 was signed into law, and key provisions of the act became effective on August 5, 1993. This article examines the main provisions of the act, explains how employee leaves will be granted in compliance with the act, outlines the consequences of noncompliance with the act, analyzes the operational ramifications of the act, quantifies the financial implications of the act, and discusses the role of the healthcare financial manager in assisting with the formulation of a hospital policy to comply with the act.