This is a law that provides benefits to an employee with a serious health condition.  It is very important that an employer understand the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA.) An employer who has 50 or more employees is subject to this Federal Act. To be an eligible employee, one must have worked for the employer for at least one year or over 1250 hours. FMLA entitles an employee up to a total of 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period because of a serious health condition.