Effective January 1, 2023, the California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”) will be expanded to include a “designated person” within the category of persons for whom an employee may take time off to provide care. The term “designated person” is defined in the CFRA to mean “any individual related by blood or whose association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship.” An employee may identify the “designated person” at the time the employee requests the leave. An employer may limit an employee to one designated person per 12-month period for family care and medical leave.
It is prudent for employers to review their leave policies and procedures and make sure any employees who are responsible for administering employee time off requests are aware of the 2023 CFRA update.