If you work in a company of 11 or more people you are now entitled to paid sick leave. The law became effective on July 15, 2015 and requires that you be credited with one hour of paid leave for every thirty hours worked. According to the state statute you may use this time for yourself, your spouse, child, parent or parent – in –law for issues such as:

• Medical treatment for physical or mental illness
• Conditions that require home care
• Preventative medical care
• Routine medical appointments
• Physical or legal issues concerning domestic violence

In most instances you do not have to produce documentation, or a “doctor’s note “ unless you are absent for more than 24 hours.

Depending on how your salary structure, you may even be able to take this time off in small increments, such as an hour or two rather than a whole day.

This benefit begins to accrue from the date of hire (or July 15, 2015) whichever is later, and you may begin using your earned time on the 91st day of employment. While you are not entitled to more than 40 hours of paid leave in a calendar year, you are able you carry over unused hours. The law does not require your employer to pay you for unused days when you terminate employment.

Compliance with this legislation requires that an official notice detailing this new law be posted in the workplace. Contact an attorney who specializes in Massachusetts employment law with any questions or concerns that you have, or if you believe you are not being treated fairly concerning paid time off.