What qualifies for paid sick leave?

Touted as the “Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014,” the State of California mandated paid sick leave starting July 1, 2015. By law, an eligible employee accrues paid sick leave rights at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked.

So what exactly qualifies for paid sick leave?

An employee can use paid sick leave for diagnosis, care or treatment of a health condition, or for preventative care for him or herself, or for a family member.

Eligible family members include:

• Spouse
• Registered domestic partner
• Child (biological, adopted, foster, step, legal ward) regardless of age
• Parent (biological, adoptive, foster, step, legal guardian) of the employee, spouse or registered domestic partner
• Grandparent
• Grandchild
• Sibling

An employee can also use paid sick leave benefits for time off due to domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking.

Employers are required to display a new poster detailing information about paid sick leave.

As always, we encourage you to contact Sierra HR Partners for information on this new law.