(NewsNation) — The state of Colorado is expanding its family and medical leave program to include parents whose child is in neonatal intensive care.
Under current guidelines, new parents receive up to 12 weeks of paid bonding leave. Starting Jan. 1, Colorado parents with a child in the NICU can get an additional 12 weeks of paid time off.
Families can also take their time off when their child is discharged from the hospital.
“If we don’t provide additional time, we’re essentially putting families in the position of choosing whether to work while they have a baby in the NICU or their baby comes home and they have to go back to work, and they really don’t get that time to bond with that baby,” Colorado state Rep. Yara Zokaie told local news outlet 9News.
Biological, adoptive, foster parents and those who are acting in loco parentis are eligible under the new guidelines. New parents must provide proof of neonatal care admission or a completed FAMLI Neonatal Admission Form.
