Rhode Island employers take note: Rhode Island is now the first state to expressly protect employees’ menopause and related conditions. This comes on the heels or women’s specific health benefits emerging as a strategic tool to attract and retain talent.
The Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act already required employers with at least four employees to provide reasonable accommodation related to pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition. Effective late last month, the Act is amended to require employers to provide reasonable accommodation for an applicant’s or employee’s menopause or related medical condition. Related conditions include the need to manage the effects of vasomotor symptoms.
This amendment requires Rhode Island employers to display and distribute an updated written notice of employee rights. Employers should also update their existing policies to comport with this new law. See the text of the law here: Bill Text: RI H6161 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced | LegiScan