A recent California Court of Appeal decision held that employers must now accommodate non-disabled employees who provide care to a family member, friend, or associate with a disability. Under the Castro-Ramirez decision, California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act protects employees, who although may not be disabled themselves, if they are associated with caring for a disabled person.
What Does This Mean for Employers?
The Castro-Ramirez decision does not provide clear guidance as to exactly how California employers must handle non-disabled employee requests for accommodations.
However, California employers should still review their disability leave to ensure that reasonable accommodations are considered for non-disabled employees who provide care to an individual with a mental or physical disability.
If you have any questions about your obligations as an employer, please contact us at info@mitzelgroup.com or reach out to your Mitzel Group, LLP attorney directly.
