She should discuss this with the folks in Human Resources, who should have a comprehensive understanding of the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), most Federal employees are entitled to a total of up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for the following purposes:

the birth of a son or daughter of the employee and the care of such son or daughter;

the placement of a son or daughter with the employee for adoption or foster care;

the care of spouse, son, daughter, or parent of the employee who has a serious health condition; or

a serious health condition of the employee that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her positions.

Under certain conditions, an employee may use the 12 weeks of FMLA leave intermittently. An employee may elect to substitute annual leave and/or sick leave, consistent with current laws and OPM's regulations for using annual and sick leave, for any unpaid leave under the FMLA. (The amount of sick leave that may be used to care for a family member is limited. See "Sick Leave to Care for a Family Member with a Serious Health Condition") FMLA leave is in addition to other paid time off available to an employee.

SRS