WA SB5396

Expands Washington's "serious health condition" definition under Paid Family and Medical Leave to include time during FAA medical certificate applications, reconsiderations, and administrative reviews related to mental and neurologic standards under federal aviation regulations

Allows employees suspended from work due to FAA medical certification processes to remain eligible for paid family and medical leave benefits, creating an exception to the general rule disqualifying suspended employees

Requires employers to pay at least 50% of normal hourly compensation to employees who have exhausted paid family and medical leave while awaiting FAA medical certificate decisions, continuing until final denial, employee non-cooperation, or age 65

Exempts employers from the 50% wage requirement if they offer short or long-term disability coverage paying at least 50% of wages or $6,000 monthly for at least 24 months

Disqualifies employees from these protections if their absence results from willful self-harm, illegal acts, or substance abuse (rather than substance abuse treatment)