DESCRIPTION
Pregnancy disability leave permits a female employee up to four months leave for the period during which she is disabled due to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. An employee is considered disabled if she is unable to perform one or more essential functions of her job due to her pregnancy or related health condition. The employee is required to provide medical verification from her doctor. During the period of disability, the employee may use any accrued leave the employer makes available to temporarily disabled employees. The employer maintains the employee's health coverage for up to 12 weeks per year under FMLA. After the pregnancy disability leave ends, the employee, if eligible under the CFRA, may request an additional 12 weeks of unpaid leave for bonding with her new child.
PURPOSE
The laws on pregnancy disability leave ensure that employers treat female employees who have a disability caused by pregnancy in the same way employers would treat other employees who have a temporary medical disability.
ELIGIBILITY
All female State employees disabled due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition are eligible.
LENGTH OF BENEFIT
Pregnancy disability leave may be up to four months (unpaid).
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTERING THE PROGRAM
DPA is responsible for the administration of this program.
LEGAL AUTHORITY
Government Code Section 12945.
