California employers should be aware that California's pregnancy disability leave laws apply to all employees, even if that employee has only worked for the employer for a very short time.

Under certain limited circumstances, the employer may recover the amounts paid for the health insurance premium costs paid should the employee refuse to return to work for the employer. The new legislation affords the employer the right to recover the health insurance premium costs paid if the employee fails to return to work for reasons other than: (1) taking additional leave afforded under the California Family Rights Act; (2) taking other protected leave, or (3) circumstances beyond the employee's control. In effect, the employer would be entitled to recover the health insurance premiums paid in the limited circumstances that the employee refused to return to work because she found another job, preferred working elsewhere, or choose not to work at all.