Beginning this week, the BC government has put new rules in place to limit when employers can ask for sick notes.
The Province hopes that a ripple effect of this legislation will allow physicians to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork.
Effective immediately, employers cannot ask for a sick note for a worker’s first two health-related, short-term absences of five consecutive days or fewer in a calendar year.
“When you’re sick with the flu, or your child comes down with a cold, the last thing you should have to do is go to your doctor or a medical clinic to get a piece of paper saying you’re sick,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour.
“Unnecessary medical appointments take time away from patients who need to see their doctors and nurses, don’t help people get better any faster and risk further spread of illness.”
The Province says that these changes were made after corresponding with BC health-care providers, who pointed to scientific evidence that shows most minor illnesses for adults, such as a cold and influenza, have symptoms that typically resolve within five days.
“No one should have to choose between their health and their job,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health.
“These new rules ensure that when people are unwell, they can stay home to recover and help prevent the spread of illness without the added stress of getting a sick note. This change also reduces unnecessary administrative burdens for doctors and allows them to focus on what matters most: providing care to patients.”
Not only will this legislation give physicians more time to see patients in need of care, but will also help save sick or injured workers the trip to a clinic, as well as the cost of a sick note.
Currently, a doctor’s sick note in BC can cost anywhere between $20 to $100, or more. Sick notes are not covered by BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) and are considered a non-medical service.
Some clinics charge a minimum of $20 to $30, while online services might list a specific fee around $35 to $50 for the note, plus the consultation.
