The Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (“DFML”) has recently published regulations forpublic comment and a guide for employers.

A synopsis of significant, new, and clarifying information follows…

In 2018, Massachusetts enacted legislation to create a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave (“PFML”) program providing benefits beginning in January 1, 2021 and July 1, 2021. With limited exception, all employers with employees in Massachusetts will be required to provide
paid family and medical leave benefits to their employees through:


• The state program; or
• An approved private plan.

If providing benefits through the state program, employers will begin to remit premium payments to the state beginning July 1, 2019.

Employers may opt to provide an approved private plan to employees. These arrangements must be approved by the DFML. If the employer secures approval on or before July 1, 2019, the employer will not be required to contribute to the state program beginning July 1, 2019.

Notifying Massachusetts W-2 Employees


Employers need to notify each of their Massachusetts W-2 employees in writing about available PFML benefits on or before June 30, 2019. Employers must also issue this notice to each employee within 30 days of their first day of employment. The notice must be written in the employee’s
primary language. Employers must obtain from each employee a written statement acknowledging receipt of the notice or a statement indicating the employee’s refusal to acknowledge the notice.

Click this link to download the rest of this important bulletin for employers who have employees or contractors in Massachusetts:

Download Massachusetts Publishes Family & Medical Leave Rules