1) What does the Rhode Island Paid Sick Time law do?
It gives workers up to 40 hours of sick time a year, which can be used to recover from physical/mental illness or injury; to seek medical diagnosis, treatment, or preventative care; to care for a family member who is ill or needs medical diagnosis, treatment, or preventative care; when the worker’s place of business is closed by order of a public official due to a public health emergency or to care for a child whose school or childcare provider has been closed by order of a public official due to a public health emergency; to care for themselves or a family member when a health authority or health care provider determines that the worker’s or family member’s presence in the community presents a public health risk because of exposure to a communicable disease (regardless of whether the individual has contracted the disease); or to address needs that may arise if the worker or a family member is a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking.
2) Am I covered?
If you work as an employee in Rhode Island, you are probably covered, whether you are a full-time, part-time, or temporary worker. However, the law does not cover federal, state, and municipal employees, independent contractors, subcontractors, work study participants, interns and apprenticeships, and a few other narrow groups.
3) How much sick time can I earn?
You earn 1 hour of sick time for every 35 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year. If your workplace has 18 or more workers, that time must be paid. If your workplace has fewer than 18 workers, your sick time may be unpaid—but you can’t be fired or punished for taking it.
All covered employees are protected against being fired or punished for using or requesting their sick time (including threats, discipline, demotion, reduction in hours, termination, etc.).
4) What if my work or my child’s school or daycare is closed for a health emergency?
You can also use your sick time if your place of business is closed by order of a public official due to a public health emergency or to care for a child whose school or childcare provider has been closed by order of a public official due to a public health emergency.
5) Which of my family members are covered by the law?
Under the law, you can take sick time to care for yourself or a child, spouse, domestic partner, parent, parent-in-law, grandchild, grandparent, sibling, care recipient, or member of your household.
6) What if I already have paid leave or paid time off?
If you already get any paid leave (vacation, paid time off, etc.) that you can use as sick time and it’s at least the same amount you would earn under this law, the law does not give you any additional paid time off.
7) When can I begin using my sick time?
You start earning sick time immediately but cannot use it until 90 days after the start of your employment. However, temporary workers cannot use sick time until 180 calendar days after the start of their employment, and seasonal workers cannot use sick time until 150 calendar days after the start of their employment.
8) Do I need a doctor’s note?
Only after more than 3 consecutive work days of absence (and the note does not have to specify your illness).
All covered workers are protected against being fired or punished for using or requesting sick or safe time. If you have a problem—or want more information—call A Better Balance’s free legal clinic at 1-833-NEED-ABB.
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training is in charge of enforcing this law.
Please note that this fact sheet does not represent an exhaustive overview of the paid sick time law described, and it does not constitute legal advice. It is possible that additional provisions not described in this fact sheet may apply to a worker’s specific circumstances or category of employment.
For the full list of state and local paid sick time laws, visit here.
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