“In Loco Parentis” Status When Caring for a Sibling – Jeffrey A. Dretler Provides Advice in September 26, 2011 “Job Doc” Column

A reader is seeking time off to drive her sister to and from weekly medical treatments for a serious illness. The reader was asked by his or her HR department to prove “in loco parentis” (in the place of the parent). Jeff discusses some features of the FMLA statute, and notes that it “does not expressly provide an employee with the right to job-protected leave to care for a seriously ill sibling.” However, Jeff suggests that the more the reader shows that the sibling is incapable of self-care and relies on him or her for all day-to-day financial and medical needs, the “greater your chance of demonstrating in loco parentis status.”

Click here to read the entire article and the rest of Jeff’s comments.