FMLA and ADA: Managing Leaves Doesn't Need to be (that) Complicated - Updated with COVID-19 Topics

Managing leave under the FMLA and ADA is confusing, and some well-meaning employers use the same forms and processes for both. In fact, the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act each have their own rules and must be handled separately. This 60-minute FMLA and ADA leave management training explains the differences.

You'll learn the coverage and obligations under each law, when both can apply, what medical information you can and can't ask for under HIPAA, and undue hardship considerations.

The session also covers the pandemic response: the two FFCRA leave types, the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, and EEOC guidance on COVID-19 accommodation.

• Define the coverage and requirements of the FMLA for employers and employees
• Describe employer obligations under the ADA
• Explain the two FFCRA leave types
• Identify what medical information you can and should not request
• Assess reasonable accommodation and undue hardship
• Recognize when both the FMLA and ADA apply and manage them in practice

• FMLA coverage, details and requirements for employers and employees
• ADA coverage, details and employer obligations
• The two parts of the FFCRA: emergency paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave
• HIPAA and medical privacy: what you can and shouldn't ask for
• COVID-19 reasonable accommodation under EEOC guidance
• Undue hardship considerations
• Situations where both the FMLA and ADA apply
• Practical tips for managing FMLA and ADA

Knowing FMLA and ADA requirements before a situation arises lets you build a process and handle requests with confidence, instead of improvising. It's especially useful if you're new to leave management or your company is approaching 50 employees.

The session suits HR professionals at all levels, small and mid-size business owners, and leaders, managers and supervisors, including non-HR managers who handle leave and accommodation requests.

• HR professionals, all levels
• Leaders, Managers, and Supervisors
• Small- and medium-size business owners

Melveen Stevenson is the CEO and founder of M.S. Elemental, LLC, a human resources and business advisory firm. As a certified HR professional with a background in accounting and finance, she helps companies to navigate the human resources “jungle” of compliance, human capital, and leadership challenges. In doing so, she empowers companies to strengthen their infrastructure from the inside out, specifically through leadership development, operations, training, employee engagement, and executive coaching.

Melveen speaks on key topics to empower companies with the latest research and best practices for increasing engagement, enhancing leadership presence, and optimizing diverse workforce groups.

Over the last 20 years, Melveen has held leadership positions in human resources operations, supply chain, and talent management at international companies in food manufacturing, medical devices, and consumer products. She has spent most of her career in California, and has expertise in the state’s complicated employment regulations.

Melveen is certified through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and the Human Resources Certification Institute (SPHR).  She is also a faculty member at California State University-Dominguez Hills.