Anyone have to fill out the Family and Medical Leave Act Forms?

My supervisor has told me that I need to fill out the Family and Medical Leave Act forms.  I have gotten them and my doctor has to fill some of it out.  Someone told me it's a form of protection for me, just not sure. I'm also going to Google this.
 Anyone else have to do this?  Thanks-Andrea

I've filled them out before. Google it or refer to your HR department for more information.

Thank you- I just googled and I am printing off just about everything, so I have a better understanding.

i did the fmla thing when i had surgery.  i also did it if i was going to be out for more than a few days for an illness.  it IS a form of protection.  it's in your best interest to fill out your little part and have your doctor do the rest.

I just took the form with me to my last dr's appt and she filled it in while I was sitting there.

I had to fill them out even though I'm using vacation time.  I guess the forms are in place to protect you in case you run out of vacation or sick time or if you can't come back to work when you planned to.

I've just printed the forms out and will take them to my doctor on May 13 when I go for my pre-op testing.  Thanks for the response!

FMLA is a law that is protection for you if you have time off for illness for yourself, child,husband, etc.  It guarantee that you will have a job on your return. It was not required by my job, but it was an option.
Check this link

http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/

Yes, you should do this.
Having the FMLA paperwork completed protects your job status. It allows up to 480 hours per year. It is not the same as leave. FMLA can be covered with vacation time, sick time, or unpaid time. It means they cannot get rid of you for being gone for that extended amount of time if it ends up being necessary. They will have to hold a position for you...not necessarily YOUR position but something of comparable pay. In other words, they can't decide you've been gone too long and hand you a pink slip.

Just P and Just Valena,
Thank you both.  I am going to also speak with HR , fill out the forms and have my doctor fill them out.  With everything going on with NC state government-I want this protection!

I work for the State here in CA and for me it was to guarantee that my position was held for 12 weeks. If I had to be out longer than that then it guaranteed that I would still have a job, but they would be able to place me in another department if they filled my position. All I had to do was get something from my surgeon stating the length of time I was going to be out and personnel took care of the form for me. Definitely fill it out though it is just job security for you.