Kentucky Leave of Absence for Surgery, also known as the Kentucky Family and Medical Leave (FM) Act, allows eligible employees to take time off from work to undergo surgery or other medical procedures. This leave is designed to provide individuals with the opportunity to focus on their health without the fear of losing their job or facing any adverse employment consequences. Under the Kentucky FM Act, an eligible employee can take leave for their own surgery or for the surgery of an immediate family member. Immediate family members include a spouse, child, parent, or any other individual residing in the employee's household. To qualify for Kentucky Leave of Absence for Surgery, employees must meet certain eligibility criteria. They must have been employed for at least 180 days, or approximately 6 months, by their current employer. Additionally, they must have worked at least 1,250 hours during the preceding 12-month period. Employers covered by the Kentucky FM Act must have at least 15 employees working for them for each working day during each of 20 or more calendar workweeks in the current or preceding calendar year. Kentucky Leave of Absence for Surgery provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period. During this time, their job is protected, and they continue to be eligible for employer-provided health insurance coverage. However, since this leave is unpaid, employees may need to use any available paid sick leave or vacation days for income continuation during their absence. It is important to note that Kentucky Leave of Absence for Surgery is not limited to a specific type of surgery. Employees can utilize this leave for any surgical procedure that they or their immediate family member requires. Whether it's a minor surgery or a major operation, as long as it meets the medical necessity criteria, employees are entitled to take leave without fear of losing their job. In addition to the standard Kentucky Leave of Absence for Surgery, there are no specific subcategories or types of leaves for surgical purposes within the Kentucky FM Act. However, employers may have their own policies in place that provide additional benefits or options for employees who require surgery. Employees should consult their employee handbook or speak with the human resources department to understand any specific guidelines or procedures related to surgical leaves. Overall, the Kentucky Leave of Absence for Surgery is a crucial protection for eligible employees who require time off work to undergo a surgical procedure. It ensures job security, safeguards employee benefits, and promotes the well-being and recovery of both employees and their immediate family members.