What is Ohio's Pregnancy Leave Policy?
Ohio's pregnancy leave policy provides financial support to employees who have become new parents through childbirth or adoption. This assistance helps cover their basic needs while they are out of work and unable to earn income. The policy covers both paid and unpaid leave, depending on the employee's role and the terms of their employment.
Who is Eligible for Ohio Pregnancy Leave?
To be eligible for Ohio pregnancy leave, an employee must meet the following criteria:
- Be a member of a recognized bargaining unit (if applicable)
- Have completed at least one full year of full-time service prior to the date the leave is to commence
- Be a new parent as a birth mother, birth father, adoptive parent, foster care parent with legal custody or guardianship, or domestic partner
Types of Ohio Pregnancy Leave
Paid Pregnancy Leave
Paid pregnancy leave is available to eligible employees and is typically funded through the employees' regular base rate of compensation. The amount of paid leave varies depending on the type of birth (e.g., natural birth, cesarean section) and the number of children involved. One paid parental leave benefit is available per employee, per birth, adoption, or foster care placement event.
Unpaid Pregnancy Leave
In some cases, an employee may be eligible for unpaid pregnancy leave. This leave can be granted for a longer period than paid leave and may be considered a leave of absence without pay. Unpaid leave is intended to cover the employee's basic needs while out of work due to pregnancy and childcare responsibilities.
Using Ohio Pregnancy Leave
To use Ohio pregnancy leave, an employee must provide the university with at least thirty days advance written notice of their intent to take leave. Additionally, the employee may be eligible to use additional sick leave or vacation time to supplement their paid parental leave benefit. Use of paid parental leave generally_run concurrently with federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and must be taken within the first twelve weeks following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
Special Considerations
Bonding Period
Ohio pregnancy leave is typically intended to cover the bonding period for the employee and their newborn child. This means that if an employee gives birth during their leave period, they may be entitled to use additional leave to bond with their child following the birth.
Returning to Work
Following the completion of their leave period, employees must return to full-time work for at least one year. Any leave that exceeds the allowed maximum period is subject to repayment of wages, as outlined in Rule 3342-6-11.12 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
Approval and Appeal Process
Prior to taking Ohio pregnancy leave, employees must receive approval from the department head or designee. Employees may also appeal any adverse decision regarding their leave.
##Ohio's pregnancy leave policy provides important financial and emotional support to employees who have become new parents. By offering paid and unpaid leave, the policy helps to cover their basic needs while they are unable to work due to pregnancy and childcare responsibilities. It is essential for employees to understand the terms and conditions of their leave and to follow the proper application process.
