See:
FMLA
"Serious health condition" means an illness,
injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves either:
·Any period of incapacity or treatment connected with inpatient care (i.e., an overnight stay) in a
hospital,
hospice, or residential medical-care facility, and any period of incapacity or subsequent treatment in connection with such inpatient care; or
·Continuing treatment by a
health care provider which includes any period of incapacity (i.e., inability to work, attend school or perform other regular daily activities) due to:
(1)A health condition (including treatment therefor, or recovery therefrom) lasting more than three consecutive days, and any subsequent treatment or period of incapacity relating to the same condition, that also includes:
·Treatment two or more times by or under the supervision of a health care provider; or
·One treatment by a health care provider with a continuing regimen of treatment; or
(2)Pregnancy or prenatal care. A visit to the health care provider is not necessary for each absence; or
(3)A chronic serious health condition which continues over an extended period of time, requires periodic visits to a health care provider, and may involve occasional episodes of incapacity (e.g.,
asthma,
diabetes). A visit to a health care provider is not necessary for each absence; or
(4)A
permanent or long-term condition for which treatment may not be effective (e.g., Alzheimer's, a severe stroke, terminal
cancer). Only supervision by a health care provider is required, rather than active treatment; or
(5)Any absences to receive multiple treatments for restorative surgery or for a condition which would likely result in a period of incapacity of more than three days if not treated (e.g.,
chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer).
Note that a “serious health condition” ordinarily excludes, unless complications arise, the common cold, the flu, ear aches, upset stomach, minor ulcers,
headaches other than
migraine, routine dental or orthodontia problems,
periodontal disease, etc.