Infographic – Gout and The Family Medical Leave Act

Gout Family Medical Leave Act

Learn how the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can support people living with gout. Know your rights, what qualifies, and how to request protected leave from work.

Gout can be debilitating, and flare-ups can significantly impact patients’ ability to continue their day-to-day tasks, especially in the workplace.

But there are policies in place that protect patients at work, including the Family and Medical Leave Act.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federal law that offers support for employees dealing with serious medical conditions, including gout. If you’re navigating unpredictable flares, pain, or treatment plans, here’s what you need to know about how the gout family medical leave act protections might apply to you.

What is FMLA?

FMLA is a federal law that allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, including chronic health conditions. You can take up to 12 weeks of leave within a 12-month period, and your job (or an equivalent one) will be waiting for you when you return.

Even better? You get to keep your employer-sponsored health insurance during that time.

Do You Qualify for FMLA?

To qualify, you must:

• Have worked for your employer for at least 12 months
• Have worked 1,250 hours over the past 12 months
• Have a serious medical condition or have to care for a family member with a serious medical condition

Gout and FMLA

Gout qualifies as a serious medical condition for FMLA leave if it:

• Requires ongoing medical treatment
• Causes you to be unable to work for more than 3 consecutive days with medical attention
• You experience chronic flares that require occasional time off (nonconsecutive leave)

Since gout is both chronic and unpredictable, FMLA may allow you to take intermittent occasional leave rather than continuous leave.

How to File for FMLA at Work

If you think your gout symptoms may qualify for FMLA, the first step is to start the process with your employer’s HR department.

Every workplace may have slightly different procedures, but here’s a general guide:

• Ask for the FMLA paperwork
  Let your HR team know that you’d like to request leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. They’ll typically give you forms that include a section for your healthcare provider to complete.
• Fill out the employee portion
  You’ll be asked to provide basic information about your condition and how much leave you anticipate needing, whether it’s intermittent, or a set time frame.
• Have your doctor complete the medical certification
  Your healthcare provider will need to verify that your condition (in this case, gout) qualifies under FMLA. This step is important, so give your doctor clear details about your symptoms, flares, and how they affect your ability to work.
• Return the completed paperwork on time
  Most employers require the forms to be submitted within 15 calendar days, so don’t delay.
• Wait for approval
  Your employer has up to 5 business days to let you know whether your leave request is approved. If they need more information, they may reach out to clarify.

Once approved, you’re protected by federal law, and that peace of mind can go a long way.

How to Request FMLA Leave for Gout Once Your FMLA is Approved

Here’s what to do if you think you need FMLA leave for gout:

1. Follow your employer’s normal leave policies
   Start by requesting time off in the way your HR department requires.
2. Let your employer know it’s FMLA-related
   You don’t need to disclose every detail, but you should mention that your leave is connected to a qualifying medical condition.
3. Give notice as early as possible
   For planned medical visits try to provide notice ahead of time, for intermittent flares notify your employer as soon as possible.
4. Be prepared to provide medical certification
   Your employer can legally ask for documentation from your healthcare provider confirming that gout is a serious medical condition that qualifies under FMLA.

Gout can be debilitating and unpredictable, but FMLA can help gout patients manage in the workplace.

You’re Not Alone, And You Have Rights

Gout can be disruptive and debilitating, but it doesn’t have to derail your career. If you’re struggling to manage work during flares, FMLA may be one of the tools that helps you stay employed, protected, and supported.

For more tips on navigating life with gout, at work, at home, and everywhere in between, explore our Gout Roadmap or Gout Resource Hub.

Download our Gout & The Family and Medical Leave Act Infographic here >