District Of Columbia § 32-503 - Medical leave requirement.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 32-503 — Medical leave requirement., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-503. Medical leave requirement.
32-503Subject to the provisions of , any employee who becomes unable to perform the functions of the employee’s position because of a serious health condition shall be entitled to medical leave for as long as the employee is unable to perform the functions, except that the medical leave shall not exceed 16 workweeks during any 24-month period. The medical leave may be taken intermittently when medically necessary.
Except as provided in paragraphs (2) through (4) of this subsection, medical leave may consist of unpaid leave.
Any paid medical or sick leave provided by an employer that the employee elects to use for medical leave shall count against the 16 workweeks of allowable medical leave under this chapter.
If an employer and employee agree that an employee may use paid vacation, personal, or compensatory leave as medical leave, the paid vacation, personal, or compensatory leave shall count against the 16 workweeks of medical leave provided in this chapter.
If an employer has a program that allows an employee to use the paid leave of another employee under certain conditions, and the conditions have been met, the employee may use the paid leave as medical leave and the leave shall count against the 16 workweeks of medical leave provided in this chapter.
If the need for medical leave is foreseeable based on planned medical treatment or supervision, the employee shall:
Provide the employer with prior reasonable notice of the medical treatment or supervision; and
Make a reasonable effort to schedule the medical treatment or supervision, subject to the approval of the health care provider of the employee, in a manner that does not disrupt unduly the operations of the employer.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 32-503
What does D.C. Code § 32-503 cover?
Section 32-503 ("Medical leave requirement.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 32-503?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 32-503" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 32-503 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.