The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 was passed to promote a healthier balance between work and family responsibilities. It allows covered employers to grant up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to eligible workers for: (1) the birth, adoption, or foster-care assumption of a child; (2) the "serious health condition" of a spouse, son, daughter, or parent; and (3) a "serious health condition" that renders the employee incapable of performing his/her essential job functions. This paper outlines definitions that employers need to know and provides guidelines for establishing policies in preparation for FMLA requests, communicating those policies to employees, and maintaining documentation. (LMI)