Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert was recently absent from his television show and reportedly took a leave to care for his aging mother. For someone like Colbert, returning to work is probably not something he is worried about. But for those without a television show, returning to work is not always guaranteed, even if an individual is taking leave to care for a sick or aging loved one.
The Family and Medical Leave Act became law in 1993 under President Bill Clinton. The law provides a number of protections for workers and their family members. Under the law, employees are granted 12 weeks leave to care for a family member, to care for a newborn, or because of a serious health condition. After the 12 weeks, the employee has the right to return to their previously held position.
