Federal Paid Sick Days

The HIA addressed the federal Healthy Families Act of 2009 and was a continuation of the work completed as part of a similar HIA in California. The bill would have entitled all employees to accrue paid sick time at a rate of no less than one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to nine days per year. An employee would be entitled to use accrued time for diagnosis, care or treatment of health conditions of the employee or an employee's family member; or for leave related to domestic violence or sexual assault. The pathways and health issues explored include, the spread of communicable diseases, such as influenza and stomach flu, through workers at restaurants, schools and nursing homes; the impacts of loss of salary and employer retaliation for missing work on income and stress; and the potential effects on rates of emergency room use and delayed medical care. The HIA recommended passing the bill, but limiting the exceptions given to small businesses.