The FMLA is a federal law that was passed in 1993 that provides benefits and protections to eligible employees. The intent of the law was to increase job security when dealing with a serious health condition of his/her own, a child, spouse, or a parent. The Act requires employers to provide eligible employees for qualifying reasons up to 12 weeks of time-off from work per year and prevents employers from interfering with employee rights.

Please refer to the US Department of Labor FMLA page for more information:
http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/