Family Care Act: Paid Leave for Family Health Needs in WA

The Washington Family Care Act (FCA) allows workers to use any paid leave they’ve earned (e.g., vacation, sick leave, or PTO) to care for a qualifying family member with a serious health condition. This includes situations like helping a child with health care needs, supporting a spouse or parent during a medical emergency, or caring for someone disabled due to pregnancy or childbirth. The FCA does not let you take leave for your own health issues.

You can use FCA leave for:

• A child’s health condition requiring treatment or supervision (including preventive care).
• A family member with a serious or emergency health condition.
• A spouse or daughter disabled by pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions.

Qualifying family members include children (biological, adopted, foster, or stepchildren, regardless of age), parents, spouses, registered domestic partners, grandparents, and siblings. For adult children, the FCA covers those who are “incapable of self-care.”

When requesting FCA leave, you must follow your employer’s policies and any collective bargaining agreements. However, your employer cannot force you to use a specific type of paid leave (e.g., vacation instead of sick leave). You can choose from earned benefits like paid sick leave, vacation, PTO, personal holidays, or compensatory time (for government workers only).

Note: Short-term disability plans covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) or purchased insurance are not included in the FCA. If your employer violates the FCA, you can file a protected leave complaint. For full details, see Chapter 46.12.265 RCW.

This is a summary only — not legal advice. Consult a disability rights attorney for guidance on your specific situation.