Tayag properly does not claim that caring for her husband would itself be protected leave under the FMLA if the seven-week trip was for reasons unrelated to medical treatment of Rhomeo's illnesses.*fn2 So, if the focus is on substantive protection, the result depends on whether a "healing pilgrimage" comprises medical care within the meaning of the FMLA.
Under the statute and associated regulations, the answer is no. The statute defines "health care provider" as "a doctor of medicine or osteopathy who is authorized to practice medicine or surgery (as appropriate) by the State in which the doctor practices; or . . . any other person determined by the Secretary to be capable of providing health care services." 29 U.S.C. _ 2611(6). Similarly, a "serious health condition" is "an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves . . . inpatient care in a hospital, hospice, or residential medical care facility; or . . . continuing treatment by a health care provider." Id. 2611(11).
Faith healing is addressed solely in the regulation identifying others "capable of providing health care services," which includes "Christian Science practitioners" subject to certain conditions. 29 C.F.R. _ 825.118. Christian Scientists reject ordinary medical care as defined by the statute and so, as to a Christian Scientist patient, there is no duplication either for government insurance programs or for employers providing FMLA leave. Tayag's husband gets ordinary medical care, and she has taken full advantage of the FMLA to provide assistance to him in connection with that care.
Further, Tayag does not invoke the Christian Science exception to cover her situation--her husband is not a Christian Scientist--but as the basis for a constitutional argument.