1. The program must include a maximum duration of leave of 26 weeks.

2. An employer must have the option of selecting a state- operated program, or an equivalent or superior private plan, with no additional cost to employees.

3. The employer must pay at least 1/2 of the premium and may pay the entire premium.

4. All private employers with one or more employees must participate. The program is optional for government entities.

5. Persons in family employment are excluded.

6. For an employee to be eligible for benefits, the employee must have had earnings in 12 of the previous 52 weeks.

7. The weekly benefit rate is 66 2/3% of the employee's average weekly wage in the highest 2 quarters in the last 52 weeks. The weekly benefit cap is 100% of the state average weekly wage.

8. The maximum limit on employee payroll deductions is 90¢ per week. The actual amount of an individual employee's contribution up to this cap must be determined by a sliding scale based on wages.

9. Benefits must be reduced by unemployment insurance, workers' compensation and sick pay. Benefits may not be reduced by other disability benefits, pension payments or other earnings.

10. The waiting period before benefits begin is 7 days; however, a benefit payment for the first 7 days must be made retroactively if the disability lasts 3 weeks or more.

11. Coverage for childbirth begins 2 weeks before the due date and continues for 12 weeks after delivery.

12. Complications of childbirth must be evaluated as a disability and must be covered for up to 26 weeks.