In a flurry of activity at the end of 2011, several employers contacted me to determine whether the DOL notice and certification forms still were valid, even though they contain an expiration date of December 31, 2011. In short, employers may continue to use the DOL's FMLA forms, although consider our suggestions below before using these standard DOL forms.

Why did the DOL's FMLA forms expire?

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the DOL is required to submit its FMLA forms to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, so that OMB can ensure the information request and the time spent responding to the request is minimized. [Insert your own sarcastic comment about the efficiency of the federal government here.] OMB approved the DOL's FMLA forms in late 2008 around the time the new FMLA regulations took effect. As a result, the forms were approved for three years, which is the maximum time period allowed. Upon expiration of the forms (in this case, on December 31, 2011), the DOL may continue to use the forms while it seeks renewal of OMB's approval, which it has done in this instance.

Please see full article below for further information.