The federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides eligible employees of covered employers with unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. In addition to the federal FMLA, New York has laws regarding pregnancy leave, adoptive parents leave, blood donation leave, bone marrow donation leave, military spouse leave and paid family leave (effective Jan. 1, 2018). The comparison chart below concludes our review of federal vs. New York family and medical leave laws. This chart reviews leave requests, certification requirements, as well as other laws. Family and Medical Leave in New York FEDERAL ELEMENTS STATE ELEMENTS Leave Requests To be made by the employee at least 30 days prior to date leave is to begin where need is known in advance or, where not foreseeable, as soon as practicable. If due to a planned medical treatment or for intermittent leave, the employee, subject to healthcare provider's approval, shall make a reasonable effort to