New parents are allowed more time off from work

Parents may use any accrued vacation time, sick time or any other paid-time off for their leave.

More time off from work will now be granted to parents who plan to welcome a new child in 2018.

The New Parent Leave Act, which takes effect Jan. 1, requires employers to give up to 12 weeks of parental leave for parents to bond with their new child.

The law, authored by state Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Oct. 12., applies to employers that have 20 or more employees.

Parents may use any The new law covers employees who have worked for more than 12 months with their employers. “This is a great victory for working accrued vacation parents and time, children in California,”

sick time or said Sen.

Jackson. “With any other more parents paid-time struggling to balance

off for their work and family responsibilities leave. …, no one should have to choose between caring for their newborn and keeping their job.”

Under the act, an employee may choose to take up to 12 weeks of parental leave within one year of their child’s birth, adoption or foster care placement.

Kristi Gillespie, Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District’s chief nursing officer and registered nurse, appreciates the enacting of the Parent Leave Act as both a professional and a parent.

“When I had my children, I returned to work at six weeks and wished that I could stay with my babies longer,” remembered Gillespie, who also holds a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

Gillespie noted that the new act also benefits employers as well, giving them the assurance that their employees will be more focused when they return to work.

“Now that parents can be with the children for a longer period of time, it makes returning to work less stressful,” noted the CNO.

Gillespie described the first few months in the life of a newborn to be precious and essential.

If a parent isn’t around for a certain amount of time after birth, the infant may face some confusion by having to go through changes in their routine and having to learn new faces. The infant is also exposed to note infectious processes, especially if transitioning into a childcare facility with other children, mentioned Gillespie.

“Bonding is essential during those first twelve weeks and here at Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District, we highly encourage this,” stated the CNO.