Those with eagle eyes and current FMLA administration needs may have noticed the May 31, 2018, expiration of several model DOL forms. Never fear, fresh forms—now sporting a June 30, 2018, expiration—are now available from the DOL. Aside from the one-month expiration extension, no other changes have been made to the forms.
crazydiva / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Every three years these forms expire, often with little fanfare and much confusion from employers. Thanks to Jeff Nowak’s excellent investigative journalism over on the FMLA Insights blog, we can explain why: federal formality. That’s right, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 requires the forms to be reviewed and reapproved every three years.
New forms, which have no changes other than the expiration date extension, have been submitted for approval and review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Once this review is complete, these new forms will be good for another three years. However, until that review is complete, the DOL will simply extend the deadline on the current forms each month.
So, as you need model forms, just be sure to check the DOL website for the most recent, unexpired version.
 Holly K. Jones, JD is a Senior Legal Editor for BLR’s human resources and employment law publications. She understands the existing and emerging needs and challenges of human resources professionals thanks to several years of experience managing, writing, and editing key legal and compliance publications for BLR. Prior to joining BLR, Ms. Jones worked for the Tennessee Legislature’s Office of Legal Services.
She graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in English Rhetoric and Writing, Political Science, and Psychology from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she also received a 2001 Citation for Extraordinary Academic Achievement. She received her law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School and is licensed to practice law in Tennessee. Follow Holly Jones on Google+ Questions? Comments? Contact Holly at hjones@blr.com for more information on this topic. |