If an employee requests FMLA leave, what is the employer allowed to ask for?

When an employee requests Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, the employer is allowed to ask for medical certification supporting the leave request. This is crucial because the FMLA entitles eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons, which must be verifiable. The medical certification provides the necessary documentation to confirm that the leave is triggered by a serious health condition affecting the employee or their family member, thus justifying the request for time off.

The requirement for medical certification helps protect the rights of both the employer and the employee. It ensures that the leave is being taken for legitimate reasons under FMLA, while also allowing the employer to properly manage staffing needs and plan for the employee's absence.

The other options mentioned do not align with FMLA regulations since the law provides employees with privacy protections regarding their personal health matters and does not permit employers to inquire about details of their personal life or demand proof of employment history in relation to an FMLA request.