Another set of FMLA regs, effective today! Par-TAY!

Last week I vented about the continuous congressional tweaking of the Family and Medical Leave Act, which necessitated the issuance of new FMLA regulations. Here is a copy of the new regs, which were published in the Federal Register on February 6 and take effect today.

"NEW FMLA REGS!!!! GO WILD!!"

Here are some links at the Department of Labor's website that should be helpful to employers covered by the FMLA:

Overview of the new rule.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Side-by-side comparison of new rule with its predecessor (effective January 16, 2009).

A brief summary of the two amendments to the FMLA that created the need for new regulations.

Updated FMLA poster.

More Fact Sheets than you can shake a stick at!

The more certification forms, the merrier!

Your one-stop shopping for all things FMLA!

And, in case you're in the mood for some FMLA-related commentary, you won't want to miss these:

Laura D'Andrea Tyson on why we need a federal law mandating paid family leave. (Hint: Because more people will take time off work if they're being paid for it. That's a good thing, isn't it? Isn't it?)

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) on why we need a federal law mandating paid medical leave. (Hint: See previous hint.)

"The ugly side of the family leave law," Chicago Tribune column by Jeff Nowak of the FMLA Insights blog. That's more like it! Here is Jeff's blog. All FMLA, all the time.

Jon Hyman on whether you need to offer light duty after the FMLA leave runs out. (Hint: You may be pleasantly surprised by the answer.)

Eric Meyer on a bill that would extend FMLA leave to part-time employees. (Hint: Go straight to the last paragraph for the good news.)

And, in case you missed last week's rant from me, here it is again.

"This calls for some blue drinks! YEAH!!!!"

In case you didn't have plans for this weekend . . . now you do! Have fun!