The 2018 Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act established a statewide paid family and medical leave program financed by employer and employee contributions. Contributions began in October 2019, and employee leave benefits become available on Jan. 1, 2021, and July 1, 2021, depending on the reason for leave. Final amendments to the regulations were published July 24, 2020, by the state’s Department of Family and Medical Leave.

The amendments address the following:

• Add a definition for programs under which individuals donate accrued leave time for co-workers experiencing a qualifying reason for PFML leave.
• Clarify certain requirements for private plans, including the date coverage begins, eligibility criteria and coverage when employers switch plans.
• State that continuing treatment by a health care provider now includes telehealth.

Refer to the attached Compliance Bulletin for details.

MA Releases Final Amendments to PFML Regulations